Tennis: Hantuchova confirmed for Classic [+audio]

Daniela Hantuchova

World top 20 player Daniela Hantuchova is to return for another crack at the ASB Classic women's tennis tournament here in January, organisers said today.

Hantuchova, 23, is the first player to be confirmed for the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) event which begins on January 1.

The Slovak, ranked No 15 in the world, was a beaten semifinalist in this year's tournament.

Hantuchova has four Grand Slam mixed doubles titles to her name.

She has won seven WTA titles, one in singles and six in doubles, and was once ranked as high as No 5.

- NZPA