Tennis glamour girl Eugenie Bouchard has been granted a wildcard into the main draw of Auckland's ASB Classic.
The Canadian has fond memories of New Zealand, after winning the doubles title with American Sofia Kenin in January. Bouchard also advanced to the quarter-finals, before losing to eventual champion Julia Georges in three sets.
The former world No.5 adds to an already stellar women's field that includes Serena Wiliams, Cori 'Coco' Gauff and US Open champion Bianca Andreescu.
Bouchard is regarded as one of the most marketable players on the women's tour, with a variety of endorsement deals, adorning magazine covers and boasting more than five million social media followers.
"We’re really happy to have 'Genie come back to Auckland," said tournament director Karl Budge.
"We loved having her here earlier this year and I think you can tell from the performances she put out on court that she enjoyed being here as well.
"We have a star-studded field for the ASB Classic this year and there are so many players who could be lifting that trophy.
"The Monday and Tuesday sessions are going to be absolutely packed with talent on centre court, as well as the outer showcourts. Fans are going to be spoilt for choice in just how many international stars they’ll be able to see."
