Tennis: Auckland fans in for double treat as Serena and Venus Williams pair up

Kiwi tennis fans will be in for a double treat when the Williams sisters head to Auckland for the ASB Classic in January.

In addition to two of the most successful singles players in tennis history taking the court, the sisters will also be teaming up in the doubles competition.

In a video released by Venus today, the elder sister revealed the pair planned to play doubles at an international-level tournament for the first time since 1998.

"I'm actually taking all the credit for this," Venus said. "My doubles partner will be there and we will play some doubles."

As a combination, the Williams sisters have captured an incredible 14 Grand Slam titles, three Olympic gold medals and 22 WTA Tour titles, going undefeated in Grand Slam finals.

The prospect of the pair playing together in Auckland was exciting to tournament director Karl Budge.

"It will be huge for us," Budge said. "They simply don't play events of our tier together so this is a huge honour for Auckland. It is going to be a rare moment that I hope everyone will get to enjoy."

Venus, the 2015 singles champion, will be aiming to win her 50th WTA career title in Auckland, the most of any active player behind Serena.

However, she acknowledged it would be a tough challenge, given the field is set to include not only her sister but also former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki and 2014 winner Ana Ivanovic.

"I am so excited," Venus said. "I feel so at home there. I can't wait to go all the way to the end and bring home the title."