Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova headlines one of the strongest fields ever assembled for the Auckland Women's Tennis Classic, which starts here on Monday and serves as a tune-up for the Australian Open.
For only the second time in the tournament's 21-year history, the field includes three top-20 players, headed by Russia's Nadia Petrova at number nine, Hantuchova at 15 and Petrova's compatriot Elena Likhovtseva at number 17.
Hantuchova, a former world number five, regained her form last year after struggling for 18 months with weight problems and personal difficulties, and has been the centre of attention since arriving here.
She said the intense media glare would not distract her from her ultimate goal - a final showdown with Petrova.
"It's just all part of it. I don't allow it to affect me, to turn it into pressure," said Hantuchova, who will face unheralded Ukrainian Yulia Beygelzimer in the first round.
Petrova, with her hair dyed maroon, arrived in New Zealand two weeks ago to acclimatise and prepare for a year in which she aims to improve on her 2005 record, which included two Grand Slam semi-final appearances.
The draw should boost Petrova's confidence, as she holds a 3-0 record against first-round opponent Mariana Diaz-Oliva of Argentina.
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