Tennis: Victoria Azarenka adds further star power to ASB Classic

Victoria Azarenka adds further star power to ASB Classic.
Victoria Azarenka adds further star power to ASB Classic. Photo credit: Reuters

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka has been added to the growing star power set to grace the ASB Classic in Auckland in January.

Azarenka joins Venus Williams and current world number two Caroline Wozniacki for the annual summer of tennis extravaganza.

Together, the trio have enjoyed an incredible 133 weeks as the world number one, winning 99 WTA titles, 10 Grand Slams and five Olympic medals.

Tournament Director Karl Budge isn't done yet, admitting he is hopeful of adding to the already deep talent pool of the women's draw.

"This field is certainly shaping up to be our strongest yet," Budge said.

"There is still the chance of another Grand Slam Champion and we know we have two more big names that will confirm in the coming weeks.

"With the first round split over two sessions rather than four, we are going to have what will probably be our strongest ever Monday and Tuesday of the women's event," Budge said.

Azarenka has been a fixture atop the women's game since breaking into the top ten in 2009. The Belarusian rose to the top of the world for 51 consecutive weeks in 2012 after claiming her first major title in Melbourne, at the Australian Open.

After injuries and poor form had Azarenka on the outside looking in on the world's top 200, she has risen 154 spots on the WTA rankings following the birth of her son in 2016.

"She performed incredibly well at Wimbledon last year in her second tournament back and this year alone she made the semi-final's in Miami, one of the biggest events of the year and recorded wins over top ten players," Budge said.

"What she is doing is incredible and we look forward to welcoming her and Leo to Auckland in January."

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