Serena Williams will kick-off her 2017 at a tournament she has never played, Auckland, New Zealand. Historically, the 22-time major champion has chosen Hopman Cup to launch her season. “We are obviously over the moon with this news. Serena is one of the biggest sporting stars on the planet,” tournament director Karl Budge said.

Williams was recently overtaken as world no. 1 by Angelique Kerber following the US Open. Williams had held that position for 186 straight weeks prior.

The American won Wimbledon in 2016 and has recently canceled play in the early portion of the Asian swing to nurse an injury. There has been some question as to whether she will compete again in 2016.