Venus Williams and Jelena Jankovic. Photo / Getty Images
Five times Wimbledon champion Venus Williams could be heading to New Zealand shores with ASB Classic organisers set to announce a marquee signing today.
The American, who has won seven grand slam career titles and has amassed more than $US27m in prize money, would be a big drawcard for the event.
An announcement is set to be made at midday.
Among other possibilities are former world number one Jelena Jankovic and 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone.
Jankovic, ranked 13th in the world, is a former ASB Classic champion after winning the tournament in 2007.
Williams is currently ranked 101st in the world and has struggled with injury throughout the 2011 season. She was forced to withdraw from the US Open after being diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease.
Due to her ranking Williams would only qualify for the event as a wildcard.
Last year Maria Sharapova was the star attraction for the event, reportedly pocketing an appearance fee of just over US$100,000 ($130,000), before crashing out in the quarterfinals to Greta Arn.
- HERALD ONLINE
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