Tennis: Dane heads pod of world talent

Caroline Wozniacki. Photo / Getty Images

Caroline Wozniacki

(World No10)

A former world No1, the 24-year-old Dane has won 22 WTA titles in the past six years. She has rebounded from her high-profile break-up with golfer Rory McIIroy last year and showed signs of recapturing her best form in the latter half of 2014. One of the best counter-punchers in the game, Wozniacki displayed a new attacking intent in September during her run to the US Open final, which she lost 6-3 6-3 to Serena Williams. She reached the quarter-finals in her only previous ASB Classic appearance in 2009.

Sara Errani

(World No14)

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The Italian boasts a career-high ranking of No5 and has consistently performed well on the big stage, reaching a final (2013 French Open) and two semifinals at grand slam events. Errani is also one half of the world's best doubles combination, alongside compatriot Roberta Vinci. Errani featured at the ASB Classic in 2007 (lost in the second round), 2008 (lost quarter-final to eventual champion Lindsay Davenport) and 2012 (lost quarter-final to Svetlana Kuznetsova).

Coco Vandeweghe

(World No39)

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One of a troupe of much hyped American youngsters, Vandeweghe might be ready to deliver on long-tipped potential. The 1.85m New Yorker won her first WTA title last year, beat two top-10 players and cracked the top 40 for the first time. Vandeweghe has an illustrious family tree - her grandmother was Miss USA, her grandfather a New York Knick and her mother an Olympic swimmer. She has played the last three ASB Classics but has yet to progress beyond the first round.

Monica Puig

(World No59)

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Puerto Rico doesn't have an illustrious tennis history - 17-time grand slam doubles champion Gigi Fernandez is the notable exception - but Puig has got people talking in San Juan. The 21-year-old had a breakthrough campaign in 2014, capturing her first WTA singles title and also winning the Rising Stars invitational in October. Puig is making her third visit to Auckland this week.

Svetlana Kuznetsova

(World No27)

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The Russian will begin her 14th year on the WTA tour this week. A two-time major champion, she has also reached the last eight at a grand slam on 10 other occasions. Still one of the quickest movers on the circuit, the 29-year-old boasts an outstanding forehand, laden with top spin. This will be her fourth visit to Auckland, with a semifinal appearance in 2012 her best result to date.