World No.1 and French Open champion Ashleigh Barty will headline the field at the Adelaide International as the Australian summer of tennis hots up in January.

Barty will be among the players vying for the share of $2 million in prize money at the week-long WTA and ATP combined tournament held at the revamped Memorial Drive from January 12-18.

The event will serve as the final preparation for the Australian Open which commences in Melbourne on January 20.

“I’m excited to play in the first tournament in Adelaide,” Barty said.

“Memorial Drive has so much history in Australian tennis and I can’t wait to play at the new Adelaide International.

“It’s going to be a great event and it’s always special to be part of something new.”

Tournament director Alistair MacDonald was excited to have secured Barty for the South Australian event.

“We have no doubt that Ash will be a favourite with the fans here in Adelaide and we look forward to welcoming her in January 2020,” he said.

Others to have committed to playing the Adelaide International next year are world No.5 Simon Halep of Romania and Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime – the youngest player ranked in the men’s top 20.