Former French Open runner-up Sara Errani confirmed in singles draw for ASB Classic

Sara Errani will feature in the singles draw after a two-month doping suspension. Photo / Photosport

Italian Sara Errani has confirmed her entry into the ASB Classic singles line up after being awarded a wildcard to the main draw.

Errani was the French Open runner-up in 2012 and reached a career-high singles ranking of No 5 in 2013.

The Italian has won nine WTA singles titles and 26 WTA doubles titles including Auckland in 2015.

Amongst the trophies are five Grand Slam doubles titles, Roland Garros (2012), US Open (2012), Wimbledon (2014) and two Australian Open victories (2013, 2014).

ASB Classic tournament director, Karl Budge says Errani is a class act who could cause some major upsets.

"Sara has been a quality player for a number of years. She has been a long time top ten player and made deep runs in Grand Slams.

"She has also been one of the best doubles players on tour over the last decade and a former world number one," Budge said.

Errani was already coming to Auckland for doubles but has been given an opportunity to play in the singles event following her two-month suspension from the tour.

The 30-year-old was found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation.

At the time, Errani insisted that her positive test had been caused by food contaminated by her mother's medication for breast cancer.

Currently ranked 132, Errani is determined to get back to her best, starting in Auckland.

* The ASB Classic will span for two weeks; the women's tournament running from January 1 to 6, followed by the men's tournament from January 8 to 13.