Venus to star in Auckland

TENNIS

A REVITALISED Venus Williams brings glamour and danger to Auckland’s international women’s tennis tournament.

The former world No 1 and seven-time Grand Slam singles winner is confirmed as an entry for the ASB Classic from December 30 to January 4.

Having had to withdraw from the New Zealand tournament two years ago as major health problems surfaced, the 33-year-old was keen to make amends.

Now that she has learned to manage the autoimmune disease Sjogren’s syndrome, an incurable condition that affects her energy levels, Williams is gathering her game again.

She has reduced her commitments – she played just 12 tournaments this year though that schedule was also affected by a lower back problem – and is looking to peak at certain times during the year, notably around the Grand Slams.

Auckland’s close proximity to the opening major of the year, the Australian Open, means Williams will be looking for good court time here.

She will arrive with more than just her trademark outfits and hair-dos. She retains a game to beat anyone at this level and her current ranking of 50 means she will be outside the seeds and a very dangerous ‘‘floater’’ in the draw.

‘‘We’re stoked to get Venus, really she’s the icing on the cake for us,’’ tournament director Karl Budge said.

He didn’t anticipate any other major signings on top of Williams and another former world No 1, Ana Ivanovic, but hopes that there could be some late ranking moves to enable the tournament to boast a couple more top 20 players. Ivanovic, at No 14, is the top-ranked player on the Auckland list.

Budge said Auckland had to cop Williams’ withdrawal two years ago on the chin as her health problem was finally diagnosed.

In a videotaped message, Williams said she was ‘‘really excited’’ to be starting her 2014 campaign in New Zealand.

‘‘It’s my first time in New Zealand, I’ve really heard so much from the players about how supportive the crowds are for women’s tennis,’’ Williams said.

‘‘I’ve heard so much about the beauty of Auckland ... the harbour, the restaurants and the ambience.

‘‘I’m really looking forward to kicking off 2014 on a high note.’’