Overview
- The Auckland Classic runs January 5–11 in New Zealand as an Australian Open tune‑up, with the Melbourne major starting January 18.
- Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin called Williams "one of the great players" and said she is in "remarkable shape and form."
- Japan's four‑time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has also been confirmed for the field.
- Williams resumed competition in mid‑2025 after roughly 16 months out, defeating Peyton Stearns in Washington and pushing Karolina Muchova to three sets at the US Open.
- The seven‑time major winner previously won Auckland in 2015 and owns five Wimbledon titles, two US Opens, and a 2000 Olympic gold.