Wozniacki to return
Caroline Wozniacki will return to the ASB Classic in January, making it the fourth year in a row the former world No 1 will play in Auckland.
The Dane recently won her 26th WTA title, in Tokyo, thrashing current world No 1 Garbine Mugaruza 6-2 6-0 in the semifinals, before beating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-0 7-5 in the final.
The 27-year-old is currently ranked six in the world and will get to play in the WTA’s season ending championships in Singapore later this year.
Her best result in Auckland was losing to Venus Williams 2-6 6-3 6-3 in 2016 and although she hasn’t won this tournament, it has become one of her favourites.
‘‘I really wanted to come back.’’ Wozniacki said. ’’I feel like I have played really well in New Zealand, making the semifinals (against Sloane Stephens in 2015) and a final. I wanted to come back for the winner’s trophy next year.
‘‘It is such a special place to play. It is one of the best stops on the tour.
‘‘The crowds are always so supportive and full right from day one. You don’t get that in many tournaments.’’
As the Classic is an international level WTA tournament, only one top 10 player is allowed to enter it and as it’s unlikely Wozniacki will fall out of the top 10 over the rest of this year, she’ll be the top player for January’s women’s event.
Other players outside of the top 10 who could be welcome additions to the line-up are Angelique Kerber (world No 12), Madison Keys (13), Stephens (17), Petra Kvitova (18) and Victoria Azarenka (205).
Although Wozniacki has never won a Grand Slam, the Dane remains one of the biggest draw cards in tennis, and indeed women’s sport.
‘‘We have a great relationship with Caroline and we were always confident we would be able to see her return,’’ tournament director Karl Budge said.
‘‘We made a commitment to her last year that we would get her back and are thrilled it has come off.
‘‘She has been great for us every year that she has been here, and I think she deserves another shot at the title.’’
Already confirmed are Agnieszka Radwanska from Poland, while it was announced last month that Jack Sock and Roberto Bautista-Agut will play in the men’s tournament.
The women’s tournament begins on January 1 and is followed by the men’s event the following week.