Former world tennis number one Victoria Azarenka has been confirmed for January's 2019 ASB Classic in Auckland.
Victoria Azarenka Photo: Photosport
Azarenka joins the already announced Caroline Wozniacki, currently world number 2, and Venus Williams as Grand Slam Champions and former world number ones that have committed to the tournament.
Tournament Director Karl Budge said the field for the women's event was shaping up to be the strongest yet and there was still the chance of securing another Grand Slam Champion.
It will be Azarenka's second appearance at the tournament after she was beaten in the second round of the 2006 event.
The Belarusian was lined up for this year's tournament but had to pulled out for personal reasons.
Azarenka rose to number one in the world for 51 consecutive weeks in 2012 having captured her first of back to back Australian Open titles.
In 2018 Azarenka has risen 154 spots on the WTA rankings as she strives to return to the top 10 following the birth of her first child.
"Vika has been incredible since coming back on Tour. 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," said Karl Budge.