Pierce arrived at the Auckland Airport without two of her bags at least that was the conclusion after a 90 minutes search party at costumes. "I have two bags missing, they're coming on the next flight, I have most everything I need," Mary Pierce said.

Pierce also said that she felt good and that she was anxious to play tennis again. “I've been training hard the last three months and I'm just looking forward to starting and competing again, “said Pierce. “I'm just looking forward to playing this season. So much in the last couple of years I haven't played because of my injuries.”

Mary Pierce returns to the competition with a good draw. The former world No 3 will play German Angelika Roesch, who is ranked 81 in the first round. If she can defeat Roesch in her first match, she will play the winner of fifth seed Paola Suarez or Maria Camerin in the second round.

Spanish Conchita Martinez had to withdraw from the ASB Classic because of an illness. Leanne Baker of New Zealand will take Martinez's place in the draw and she will face Martina Muller of Germany in the first round.