Tennis: Venus Williams, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga heading to Auckland

The newly-revamped ASB Classic tennis tournament has landed two major drawcards for next year.

In signifcant move, the men's and women's tournaments will be united under one name from 2016 after ASB announced a new five-year sponsorship agreement with Tennis Auckland.

Former world number five and grand slam finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been confirmed to play in the men's draw.

The Frenchman has won 11 tour titles, including two Masters trophies and is one of only three active players to record wins against the big four (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray) at grand slams.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has won 11 tour titles. Photo / AP

Headlining the women's field for the third consecutive year will be Venus Williams. The former world number one, who has formed a love affair with the Auckland event in recent years, will be looking to improve on her incredible 46 career titles and defend her 2015 crown.

Tournament director Karl Budge said this was a hugely proud day for the ASB Classic and New Zealand's international tennis tournaments.

"It is 60 years since the tournaments commenced in Auckland and to have our future secure thanks to the expanded support of ASB gives us real confidence in how we are viewed as a major sporting event," Mr Budge said.

Commenting on the signings Budge added, "Jo is a true superstar of the tennis world and someone we have chased for three years. He has amassed almost $23 million in career prize money, made it to the semifinals and beyond at grand slams six times and is just one of those guys who entertains both on and off the court. He will be huge for us."

"Venus has really made Auckland her own over the last couple of years winning the title this year and making the final in 2014. We have been so privileged to have her support and I have no doubt she will look to add another ASB Classic trophy to her bedroom wall."

The new two-week long ASB Classic will feature the women's field in the first week followed by the men's field in the second week, running through early January to kick off the international tennis season.

The 2016 ASB Classic will offer a brand new experience for tennis fans and a truly international line-up, celebrating world-class men's and women's tennis on the local stage.