ASB Classic officials have landed a big name for next year's tournament, with former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka set to be confirmed for the women's draw.
Victoria Azarenka Photo: Photosport
Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, will be announced as a wildcard for the event when the full field is announced on Wednesday, Fairfax reported.
The 28-year-old from Belarus needs a wildcard as she has played just six matches this year, meaning her ranking has fallen to 205.
Azarenka has appeared in only two events in 2017 and not since Wimbledon in July, where she made it as far as the fourth round.
She has played only minimal matches this year because of a custody battle with the father of her child.
It will be Azarenka's second appearance at the Auckland tournament after she was beaten in the second round of the 2006 event.
Her inclusion will bolster a field which already includes world No 3 Caroline Wozniacki, three-time Grand Slam semifinalist Agnieska Radwanska and defending champion Lauren Davis.
