Auckland serves up colossal Venus Williams v Victoria Azarenka first round clash

WTA Tour
Venus Williams celebrates

The ASB Classic has served up a blockbuster first round match, with Seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams set to face two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in Auckland.

Azerenka is battling her way back after a turbulent few years with injury and personal issues, and has not played Auckland for 13 years.

She’ll meet Venus Williams, who defeated sister Serena at Mubadala this week, and she can’t wait.

“It’s going to be fun to play whoever it is, but to play a champion like Venus will be fun,” Azarenka said.

Williams won the title in 2015, but has her own problems after sinking to number 38 in the WTA rankings.

“Venus is coming off beating Serena two days ago in Abu Dhabi,” said tournament director Karl Budge.

“Vika’s coming off what everyone’s telling me has been an incredible training block, so should be a hell of a match on Tuesday.”

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki likely lies in wait for the winner in the quarter-finals.

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