Venus Williams to compete at ASB Classic
- Dave Worsley
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Global tennis icon Venus Williams has confirmed she is attending the 2026 ASB Classic in the New Year.
The American, who returned to compete in the US Open this year at 45 years of age, will make her seventh appearance as the ASB Classic in Auckland 5-11 January 2026.
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Williams made an historic and inspiring return in New York recently after a 16-month hiatus from the game, and will compete in Auckland in a likely preparation for the Australian Open.
The illustrious American superstar has won a remarkable 49 career titles, including the ASB Classic title a decade ago when she edged Caroline Wozniacki in a three-set thriller final, a year after being runner-up to Ana Ivanovic.
The former World No 1 first played in Auckland in 2014 when she was runner-up, with the tournament becoming one of her favourites, playing in five of the next six years before returning in 2023.
A seven-time Grand Slam champion, Williams resumed her remarkable tennis career mid-year, and recently reflected on her health struggles.
"Where I am at this year is so much different where I was at last year,” said Williams. “It’s night and day, being able to prepare for the tournament as opposed to preparing for surgery a year ago," she said of competing at the recent US Open.
ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin said tennis fans in New Zealand will be thrilled to welcome the legendary tennis star back to Auckland.
“What Venus has achieved in her career is extraordinary. She is one of the great players in the modern era and her performances on the court speak for themselves.
“Off the court she has made an equally significant contribution to the game and to the development of female players worldwide. Venus has had a profound influence on the evolution of women’s tennis and has inspired the next generation with her unshakable passion for the sport.
“Venus is back in remarkable shape and form. It will be an absolute privilege to welcome her back to our courts at the Manuka Doctor Arena, where Venus has said makes her feel welcome.
“All sports fans should take this opportunity to watch one of the sport’s all-time greats in action.”
Williams has won seven Grand Slam titles – five at Wimbledon and two at the US Open – along with finals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. She won the Grand Slam Cup in 1998, the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and the Tour Finals in 2008.
She has an equally remarkable record in doubles with a stunning 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, three Olympic doubles gold medals, along with two mixed doubles Grand Slams.
The 2026 ASB Classic women's and men's tournament takes place in Auckland from January 5 to 17,