Ivanovic returns for Auckland Classic

Former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic returns to Auckland early next year in a bid to win back the Classic tennis title she won two years ago.

Ivanovic, currently 16th in the world, completes a strong line-up for the re-vamped Auckland tournament, which combines the previously separate men's and women's events into one.

The Serbian, seeded second behind world No.7 and defending champion Venus Williams, has collected 15 WTA titles including the 2008 French Open.

Williams and Ivanovic will be joined by third seed and world No.17 Caroline Wozniacki, with a strong support cast which includes two-time grand slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova and rising American star Sloane Stephens.

Also confirmed is Auckland first-timer Bethanie Mattek-Sands (US), who knocked Ivanovic out of Wimbledon in the second round this year.

Beaten 2015 semi-finalist Barbora Strycova, ranked 41st in the world, and Germany's Julia Goerges (50th) return as Classic regulars.

Two-time champion John Isner and France's former world No.5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga head the men's draw for the tournament, which runs from January 4-16.