The superstar duo of Serena and Venus Williams could be set for a return to the ASB Classic in 2018, if everything goes to plan for tournament director Karl Budge.
Speaking to 1 NEWS today, Budge made no secret of his desire to see the biggest names in women's tennis return to Auckland next year, having both underwhelmed last January.
When asked about the possibility of luring the Williams sisters back, Budge said that he was doing everything he can to see it happen.
"We're trying to have that conversation again at the moment," he said.
"We've obviously got a special relationship with Venus, so we've certainly asked that question to see if there's anything we can do to get you to do your familiar lead into the Australian Open."
Budge then spoke about the possibility of hosting the return of Serena Williams to competitive action, with the 23-time Grand Slam champion having not played since giving birth to daughter Alexis in September.
"She's come out and publicly said that she's going to play week two - the Australian Open."
"I sent her a bit of a message saying redemption would be a lovely thing."
"It'd cap off a pretty awesome last couple of years if we get Serena back out here."
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