Serena Williams will make her tournament debut at the ASB Classic in Auckland next year.

Tournament director Karl Budge confirmed on Wednesday he had secured the signature of the 35-year-old for January’s tournament.

The winner of 22 grand slam singles titles and 71 WTA titles, Williams said she was looking forward to making her debut at the tournament.

“I am really excited to be coming to Auckland for the first time. I have heard so many great things about the city and the tournament itself and I have always wanted to play there,” said Williams.

Her sister, Venus, has played the last two tournaments in Auckland, winning the title in 2015.

Serena, the former world No.1, is ranked second in the world behind Germany’s Angelique Kerber.