American tennis great Venus Williams will return for a third consecutive time to Auckland in January, where the defending women's champion will be joined by French star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the men's tournament.
Both events will now be known as the ASB Classic.
Venus Williams Photo: Photosport
Williams, sister of top-ranked Serena and a former world No.1 who's won 46 career titles, is currently ranked 23rd in the world.
The 35-year-old's won seven grand slam titles, including five Wimbledon crowns, but has been hampered in recent years by a chronic auto-immune disease, Sjögren's syndrome.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga during his win over world No.1 Novak Djokovic at the recent Rogers Cup in Canada Photo: Photosport
Tsonga, who's making his first visit to Auckland, is currently ranked 12th in the world and has won 11 ATP Tour titles, including two Masters 1000 level trophies.
The 30-year-old is one of only three active players to record wins against the big four of the men's game at Grand Slams - Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
