One of the ASB Classic's main drawcards will be bundled out in the first round with 6th seed Venus Williams and former tennis world number one, Victoria Azarenka drawn to meet on day one in Auckland.
Venus Williams. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Azarenka, from Belarus, is on the comeback trail following the birth of her first child.
It will be Azarenka's second appearance at the tournament after she was beaten in the second round of the 2006 event.
This will be Williams fifth appearance at the Auckland tournament.
In the same quarter of the draw is top seed Caroline Wozniacki, meaning only one of the three can reach the semi-finals.
The match will take place on Tuesday along with Wonziacki's tournament opener against a qualifier.
Defending champion and second seed Julia Goerges will begin her title defence against Sweden's Johanna Larsson, while Canadian Eugenie Bouchard is up against American Madison Brengle.
The tournament starts on Monday.