Serena Williams has confirmed that she will kick off the 2016 season in Auckland as she looks to build up some momentum ahead of the
Australian Open.

The American has struggled to keep up her usual high standards during the 2016 season and has subsequently lost her spot at the top of the world rankings.

German Angelique Kerber became the best ranked woman after the US Open, ending Williams’ 186-week reign.

The 35-year-old is hoping to reclaim the number one spot as soon as possible and could possibly achieve that with victory at the Australian Open.

Williams is set to travel to New Zealand to warm-up ahead of the first Grand Slam of 2017 as she aims to pick up a record-breaking 23rd major.

The world number two insists she is excited to head to Auckland for the first time in her career and hopes it can be a catalyst to get the term off on a positive note.

Williams said: “(It’s) the first event of the year. It can really set you up for a great run in Melbourne and I will be looking to start my year strongly in Auckland.

“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.”

Auckland Classic tournament director Karl Budge has hailed Williams’ decision to snub her usual plans of the Hopman Cup next year.

Budge said: “We are obviously over the moon with this news. Serena is one of the biggest sporting stars on the planet,”