Auckland’s ASB Classic starts on Monday, January 5, opening the new season with the women’s WTA 250 week, before the men’s tournament follows the next week.

Day sessions are expected to start around 11:30 am, and the event is set to bring a mix of big names and first-timers to the city.

Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu are listed among the women’s stars making appearances, while Casper Ruud headlines the men’s week.

Elina Svitolina (No. 14), Emma Navarro (No. 15) and Iva Jovic (No. 35) are named as the top three seeds.

Rising players Alexandra Eala (No. 52) and Janice Tjen (No. 53) are also in the entry list, both making their tournament debuts.

Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens, the 2015 and 2016 champions, have received wild cards, with Great Britain’s Katie Boulter also joining them as a wild card entry.

Williams last played at the US Open and said, “Well, for now, I can only confirm Auckland. We’ll see what happens after.”

New Zealand’s Lulu Sun is also set to feature, alongside names including Peyton Stearns, Donna Vekic, Varvara Gracheva and Lulu Sun.

The singles and doubles finals are scheduled for Sunday, January 11, with times to be confirmed.

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