Seven times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has been confirmed for Auckland's ASB Classic.
The five times Wimbledon champion is currently ranked 53rd in the world and has battled health issues in recent years.
Williams has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning two decades, which includes seven Grand Slam titles and four Olympic gold medals. Over the past twenty years, she has been named as WTA's Player of the Year, Glamour Magazine's Woman of the Year, and one of Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World. Williams was also named the 'Female Athlete of the Year' at the ESPY Awards in 2002.
"It is a great privilege to have someone of Williams' calibre here in Auckland - she is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats in women's tennis," says Tournament Director, Karl Budge.
"It will be an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Venus' powerful baseline and attacking all court game up close, a real treat for those who snap up tickets to the ASB Classic.
