Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams has been confirmed as a wildcard entry for the ASB Classic at Auckland next month.
The 42-year-old will compete at the Australian Open and will treat the NZ tournament as a lead-in to the Grand Slam event.
Williams has played at the ASB Classic on five previous occasions and won the 2015 edition by beating Caroline Wozniacki in the final.
"We are absolutely thrilled to have one of the greatest players returning to the ASB Classic," tournament director, Nicolas Lamperin said.
"Venus is not just one of the best players in the history of the sport, but she loves it here in New Zealand.
"When her agent contacted us, we were more than pleased to offer her a wildcard into the ASB Classic.
"She loves it here in New Zealand and Auckland in particular, and the fans here love her."
Williams revealed she had no hesitation in asking for a wildcard entry for the ASB Classic, having enjoyed her past experiences at Auckland.
"I'm looking forward to playing my first tournament of the season in Auckland. The tournament and fans always make me feel welcome and I'm excited to compete there in January," she said.
Williams is the fourth Grand Slam champion to join the women's singles field, with Emma Raducanu, Sloane Stephens, and Sofia Kenin already confirmed.
She has won Wimbledon five times and the US Open twice, as well as making the finals of the other two Grand Slams at Roland Garros and the Australian Open.
The ASB Classic women's competition begins on January 2.
