[1] Venus Williams will play in next year's ASB Classic in Auckland, it was announced today. Photo MCT Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams will play in next year's ASB Classic, organisers announced today.
The American, who has won seven grand slam career titles and has amassed more than $US27m in prize money, is a big drawcard for the event.
Williams is ranked 101st in the world and has struggled with injury throughout the 2011 season. She was forced to withdraw after her opening round match at the US Open after being diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease.
The 31-year-old has won 43 career singles titles including an Olympic gold medal.
Due to her world ranking Williams qualifies for the event as a wildcard.
The tournament runs from January 2 to January 7.
Williams has traditionally used the Hong Kong Tennis Classic, a tournament she has won four times since 1999, as a warmup for the Australian Open which begins on January 16.
The former world No 1 last won a major in 2008, her fifth title at Wimbledon, while her last tournament win was the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in February 2010. Her best performance at a grand slam this year was reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon.
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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