ASB Classic director Karl Budge says that he's not given up on the proposition of seeing Serena Williams return to Auckland for next year's tournament.
With Williams, 36, to make her competitive comeback at the Australian Open in January , Budge is optimistic of luring the 23-time Grand Slam champion to Auckland, allowing her to use the ASB Classic as a warm up event.
However, there has been no update from Williams, although the tournament director will give her as long as possible to make a decision about her involvement.
"We'll wait all the way up until the Saturday before the tournament starts," he told 1 NEWS.
"We can hold those wildcards - I think it's 10 o'clock the day before the draw that I have to confirm them. We can hold them as long as we need to."
Williams made her first appearance at the tournament in January this year, and was dumped out in the second round.
Budge also gave an update on Williams' condition, having not played competitively since giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia earlier this year.
"Serena's - I think - starting to train today."
"She's looking at getting back in and hitting balls now. Once she's had a few weeks of training we'll see if she wants to play or not."
The ASB Classic begins on January 2.
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