"It's so good to be back," said Venus. "[I Iove] the welcome that we get and really how [just] everyone just appreciates what we do and we really do try to entertain when we are out there, fighting our hearts out."
And Auckland tennis fans should feel doubly grateful to Williams, as sister Serena told the NZ Herald that her presence here was down to the influence of her older sibling.
"It was all Venus so we should just thank Venus whenever she arrives," said Serena, when asked why she had decided to start her year at Auckland's modest tournament for the first time.
"She said it was great and I should come so I always listen to big sister."
Venus confirmed her persuasion had played a part in Serena's decision.
"I listen to everything she says," laughed Venus. "[But] I did, I've been telling her [about Auckland], and she is drinking the Kool-Aid."
Venus' flight from Los Angeles was delayed by almost an hour, and she eventually touched down at 8.45am on Friday morning.
Williams loves Auckland, and the feeling is mutual.
She has almost always performed well here - reaching the final in 2014 (losing to Ana Ivanovic) and winning the tournament in 2015.
The crowd has always appreciated her efforts, as well as her exuberant personality off the court.
The 36-year-old Williams is in the twilight of her career but continues to defy time. She remains inside the world's top 20 players and enjoyed a fairytale run to the semi-finals of this year's Wimbledon.
The ASB Classic qualifying begins on Saturday, with the tournament proper commencing on Monday.
