If you wanted to understand the impact of Serena Williams in Auckland, there was an early indication of her star power yesterday.

Serena Williams will be accompanied by security guards around the clock - even when she is at her hotel - and a bigger team when she is making public appearances.

Venus Williams has spoken with delight about sister Serena's engagement, immediately after arriving at Auckland Airport on Friday.

Caroline Wozniacki was virtually ignored by waiting media as she arrived at Auckland Airport on Friday morning.

Serena Williams has taken to Facebook to say hello to her New Zealand fans.

The presence of Serena and Venus Williams, plus Caroline Wozniacki, is some achievement for the 2017 ASB Classic.

Defending champion Sloane Stephens has joined Ana Ivanovic as a high profile late withdrawal from next week's ASB Classic.

Promising Kiwi tennis player Jade Lewis has plenty on her shoulders but doesn't seem to get fazed by much.

New Zealand's most promising player has been awarded a main draw wildcard in to next weeks' ASB Classic.

New Zealand Davis Cup players Artem Sitak and Marcus Daniell have been granted wildcards into the ASB Classic.

COMMENT: The YWCA's idea of equal pay at the ASB Classic betrays a misunderstanding of current tennis economics, writes Michael Burgess.

Juan Martin Del Potro's injury withdrawal from the ASB Classic is unfortunate, but hardly unexpected.

Juan Martin del Potro has confirmed his withdrawal from the ASB Classic due to injury.

Venus and Serena Williams will pocket just half the prize money of the top male player should either of them win next month's ASB Classic.

Defending champion Michael Venus has been awarded a doubles wildcard for the upcoming ASB Classic.

Tennis superstars Serena and Venus Williams will make a special appearance in a charity match against the All Black brothers Julian and Ardie Savea.

Argentine tennis star Juan Martin del Potro looks in doubt for the ASB Classic in Auckland next month.

An accolade for Auckland's ASB women's tennis classic. The tournament has been named best WTA international series tournament in

Comeback player of the year Juan Martin del Potro will headline the ASB Classic men's tennis tournament in Auckland in January.

Tournament's growth spurt sees sponsorship almost double and ticket income soar.

Caroline Wozniacki and Ana Ivanovic have added their names to the impressive list of headline acts confirmed for January's ASB Classic.

Jock Sock returning to ASB Classic

The 24-year-old Jack Sock is the latest to confirm his participation in the January tournament, after former champions David Ferrer and John Isner were announced last week.

Despite a lingering shoulder injury, ASB Classic organisers are "fully confident" that Serena Williams will take the court in Auckland.

John Isner talks to Matt Brown about returning to the ASB Classic.

Wow. Serena Jameka Williams is going to play in Auckland. Like one of her unstoppable aces, not many saw that coming. Williams has

The deal to bring Serena Williams to Auckland was sealed over a coffee in a New York lounge bar in August.

2016 men's ASB Classic champion Roberto Bautista-Agut will be returning to defend his title. The world No 17 backed up his Auckland

Roberto Bautista Agut wins the 2016 ASB Classic title - but in a way few might have predicted.