Tennis: Caroline Wozniacki finally grabs top billing at ASB Classic

Caroline Wozniacki is competing in her fifth ASB Classic this year. Photo / Photosport

On her fifth visit to Auckland, Caroline Wozniacki has finally grabbed the top billing.

It's obvious, from the huge billboards all around town displaying her giant photos, to the fact she was personally picked up from the airport (for the first time) by tournament director Karl Budge.

On every other visit, someone else has taken more of the limelight, even though Wozniacki is one of the most recognizable sports women on the planet, and has banked more than NZ$37 million across her career.

The Dane first came to Auckland in 2009 as an 18-year-old, coming off a year where she had won her first three WTA titles and had rocketed to No.12 in the world.

But the spotlight that year fell on Russian Elena Dementieva, a two time grand slam finalist who was also the reigning Olympic champion.

Wozniacki returned as top seed and a former World No.1 six years later, but much of the focus fell on the charismatic Venus Williams, who had captivated the crowds the year before.

Williams and Ana Ivanovic also took the attention in 2016, while the visit of Serena Williams overshadowed everyone else last year.

Now it's finally Wozniacki's time to shine, at the head of a field that lacks genuine depth beyond the first four or five seeds. If she lifts the trophy for the first time in Auckland – and other results go the right way - the 27-year-old Dane could return to the summit of the sport, after being No.1 for 67 weeks in 2010 and 2011.

"It would be awesome, it would be amazing," admitted Wozniacki of the prospect. "But I've been there before so it is not something that I really have to achieve, if that makes sense. But obviously I would be thrilled if I made it there."

It certainly feels like Wozniacki is on an upwards trajectory again, after her 2017 season where she reached a tour-high eight finals and returned to the top five.

"I couldn't have asked for a better finish to my year," said Wozniacki. "I'm excited for the new year to start. It was a great year last year and now it's new begginings, new starts, new adventures…it's all exciting."

Wozniacki faces world No.77 Madison Brengle. The American can be a tricky opponent – she has a strong defensive game and was on the other side of the net when Serena Williams self-destructed last year - but Wozniacki was a convincing winner of their two previous encounters.

Agnieszka Radwanska, is also scheduled to take her first bow today, with the 2014 champion taking on world No.71 Beatriz Haddad Maia (Brazil).

The Pole was imperious on her last visit to Auckland, not even dropping a set on her run to the title.

She had a difficult 2017 season – mainly due to niggling injuries and illness – but at her best is a bona fide top-10 player.