Tennis: Number 1 doubles combo to play Classic

Next year's women's tennis Classic has scored an early coup with the confirmation that the world's No 1 doubles team and yesterday's US Open doubles finalists, Zimbabwe's Cara Black and Liezel Huber of the United States, will compete in Auckland.

Black and Huber have won a total of four Grand Slam doubles titles at Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open, and over 27 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour doubles titles. They can boast over 100 titles with various partners.

They have been co-ranked No 1 since November 2007. Black has spent the second most weeks in history as the world's No 1 doubles player, trailing only Martina Navratilova. Huber has spent the sixth most weeks at No 1.

"It's been a couple of years since I've gone to Auckland. Blame my husband. Marrying an Aussie, he's kept me playing in Brisbane rather than Auckland. I have always missed it," said Black.

"It kinda started my career - my first tour singles final and my first doubles title there. Great memories and wonderful people and wonderful family I stayed with too."

Huber formerly played under the South African flag but is married to an American and last year became an American citizen. She played for her new nation at the Beijing Olympics while Black has represented Zimbabwe at Sydney, Athens and Beijing.

"We're very excited about coming to Auckland ... The last time I was there was in 2002 and Nicole Arendt and I won the title, while Cara has won the title in 2000 with Alexandra Fusai, so Cara and I will be looking for a first title together as a team at the 25th anniversary of the tournament," says the energetic Huber.

ASB Classic tournament director Brenda Perry said the majority of tennis players in New Zealand played doubles, "so what an opportunity for them to see the very best team in the world in action at ASB Classic".

The tournament will run from January 4-9, with qualifying from January 2-3.