Tennis star in winning Xmas spirit

Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki shopping for Christmas gifts to give out at a homeless shelter in Miami. Photo / Twitter

Auckland-bound tennis player Caroline Wozniacki has proven to be a smash hit on and off the court, donating Christmas presents to residents of a housing shelter in Miami.

The 25-year-old Danish ace took time out from her training preparations for the ASB Classic women's tournament to hand out presents on Christmas Day to those less fortunate than her at a homeless shelter in Miami.

Wozniacki -- who has amassed career winnings topping $30 million -- bought clothing and toys.

On Christmas Eve, she posted a picture on Twitter of her in front of a shopping trolley packed with gifts, with the message: "Out buying Christmas presents for the kids at the homeless shelter ... Everyone deserves a happy Christmas."

On delivery of her gifts, she wrote: "Yesterday was about giving back. This Miami shelter is home to 500 temporary residents looking at a new chance in life."

Wozniacki will compete in the ASB Classic from January 4-9. As she prepares to head our way she has spoken of her love for New Zealand.

The former world No1 will face some stiff competition in her bid to start 2016 in winning style, with the field also featuring Grand Slam winners Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

When she's not armed with a racquet, Wozniacki will seek out Kiwi culture and sights.

It will be her third visit here after making her debut ASB Classic appearance in 2009.

"I have heard so many good things about the tournament and I had never been to New Zealand before 2009," she said.

"I haven't regretted it once as the tournament is so nice and I love everything about New Zealand.

"The tournament in Auckland is a great tournament and I couldn't see me playing in any other tournament to start the year with.

"The tournament itself, the crowd, people in general and of course the beautiful nature New Zealand has to offer."

Wozniacki was treated to a shopping expedition shortly after flying into Auckland before this year's tournament.

She is yet to confirm her non-playing calendar while in the City of Sails, but said this time shopping may take a back seat to enjoying the outdoors.

"Maybe I will take one day out and go explore the beautiful nature."

Wozniacki lost this year's ASB Classic final to Williams.

She went on to endure a frustrating season on-court, ending the year with a world ranking of 17.

She is confident of starting next year on a high, saying of her hopes in a tough ASB Classic field: "There are many good players but I believe in myself and I know I'm one of the best players in the world.

"I have had a great off-season so I feel I'm on the top of my game.

"In this form I can beat anybody so if I play to my best during the tournament I will be holding the trophy in the end of the week."

She is taking aim at even greater successes later in the year.

"My goal is for this season to win one or more Grand Slams and get a medal at the Olympics in Rio."