Serena Auckland-bound

Serena Williams is coming to Auckland.

The renowned world tennis star will headline the 2017 ASB Classic in January.

Williams is said to be excited about her first trip to Auckland.

‘‘I am really excited to be coming to Auckland for the first time. I have heard so many great things about the city and the tournament itself and I have always wanted to play there,’’ Williams says.

‘‘The ASB Classic is the first event of the year. It can really set you up for a great run in Melbourne and I will be looking to start my year strongly in Auckland.’’

Organisers of the ASB Classic believe Serena’s participation is huge for the sport in the country, and cements the tournament as their biggest annual sporting event.

‘‘We are obviously over the moon with this news,’’ tournament director Karl Budge says.

‘‘Serena is one of the biggest sporting stars on the planet.

‘‘She has had the most Grand Slam victories, most consecutive weeks at number one and has twice held all four Grand Slam trophies at once.

‘‘I think she is the greatest player, man or woman, to play the game.’’

The ASB Classic will span two weeks; the women’s tournament commencing on January 2 to 7, followed by the men’s tournament from January 9 to 14.