Maria Sharapova will start her 2011 tennis season with a first appearance in New Zealand, it was announced on Wednesday.
The Russian will headline the ASB Classic in the first week of the year in Auckland, tournament officials said.
Officials for the sometimes struggling event called Sharapova’s presence “a major boost to the tournament and to the sport. Her popularity is huge and she will be one of the leading players at the event in 2011.” The number 17 will join a field, which includes Belgian title-holder Yanina Wickmayer.
