The annoucement that Venus Williams was to be the major attraction at this week's ASB Classic tennis tournament in Auckland created a flurry of excitement. However, around two months later the 31-year-old American withdrew due to health concerns. While Venus's withdrawal was widely felt, there are a number of exceptional players still in the draw.
Who will reign supreme?
The ASB Classic will showcase four players in the top 20, which includes Germany's Sabine Lisicki, China's Peng Shuai, grand slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and Italy's Flavia Pennetta. All 24 entries are in the top 70 in world rankings.
One of the most anticipated first round matches is a repeat of one of the 2011 ASB Classic semifinals in defending champion Greta Arn (who defeated Maria Sharapova on her way to claim the title) taking on rising talent Julia Goerges. Flavia Pennetta plays Romanian Sorana Cristea while Vinci plays Canada's Rebecca Marino. Seeds Kuznetsova and Monica Niculescu also face qualifiers in their first matches.
New Zealand is also represented in the field with Marina Erakovic facing Angelique Kerber.
Venus's health is a major concern
Venus's withdrawal was a bitter blow for New Zealand tennis fans.
After playing a number of exhibition matches in December, Williams notified her camp that she was not ready to play in Auckland. (She confirmed that she will play in January's Australian Open)
The seven time grand slam chamption was diagnosed with Thjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune disease) and has been receiving treatment for the condition.
She was diagnosed with the syndrome a month before she withdrew from the U.S. Open, but did not tell anyone about it even though she could feel the effects in her first match, which she won.
She has changed her diet to raw vegan dishes which should help ease the inflammation on her joints.
Sjogren's syndrome affects the body's moisture-producing glands, and in severe cases can lead to arthritis and joint pain.
Predictions - who will win?
My prediction is that either Sabine Lisicki or Svetlana Kuznetsova will claim the title this week. Lisicki has the advantage of youth and tenacity, while Kuznetsova is well experienced having won multiple titles including a grand slam in the past. The biggest upset could be made by Julia Goerges, the rising star from Germany who stands 1.80m tall, produces penetrating ground strokes, which could trouble many of the field.
Aden Miles - Aden is a journalist, writer and artist with a passion for music, food and telling people's stories.
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