Hantuchova to play in Auckland tournament

World number 19 Daniela Hantuchova said the chance to explore New Zealand as well as prepare for the Australian Open had influenced her decision to accept an invitation for the Auckland Classic women's tournament.

Hantuchova, a former top-10 player, was confirmed for the Janaury 2-7 tournament earlier this week.

"I just heard so many beautiful things about (New Zealand) and it's a place I've never been to and would really love to explore," the Slovakian told reporters on Wednesday.

"It's great preparation for the Australian Open which is obviously the priority for me, and I'm just looking for some matches at the beginning of the year to get used to it again.

"I have had so many people talking to me, even in the past when I was little, about New Zealand being one of the most beautiful countries in the world and if I was ever going to get the chance to come, that I should visit.

"I am really, really excited to come down and visit the country."

The 22-year-old Hantuchova has had a solid year, winning the mixed-doubles titles at the French and U.S Open and advancing to the quarter-finals or better at 10 WTA tour events and was hoping to re-enter the top-10 in 2006.

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"I made a lot of progress and the only people I lost to were top-10 players. I definitely felt like it was a pretty good season.

"I was very close to beating the world number one Lindsay Davenport two weeks ago.

"I feel like I'm on the right track and the last couple of months have given me a great platform to start the new year from." Tournament director Richard Palmer said Hantuchova's appearance would be a huge draw for the tournament.

"Daniela is a player who is athletic and is identified as a player who can beat anyone on her day," Palmer said in a statement on the Auckland tennis website.

"She has been as high as five in the world and with a ranking currently inside the top 20, she will be a huge drawcard."