Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka has signed on to play this summer’s Brisbane International.
World No.2 Azarenka, who won her first WTA title at the tournament in 2009, will join Wimbledon runner-up Sabine Lisicki and Serena Williams from December 29.
Azarenka said she always enjoyed spending time in Queensland and has some fond memories of the outdoor event.
“Brisbane always has a strong field and it will provide me with some tough matches against the world’s best at the start of the year,” she said on Thursday.
“It did not end the way I would have liked in 2013, and I was as disappointed as the fans with this – but I hope to make it up to them this coming January.”
Despite successfully defending her maiden Australian Open crown earlier this year and finishing runner-up at the US Open, Azarenka admitted she had become over-tired near the end of the season after losing to Jelena Jankovic at the WTA Championships in Istanbul on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Lisicki – who started her season in Queensland this year – said she was looking forward to returning in 2014.
“Brisbane is a beautiful city and the tournament offers some great competition, plus it has fantastic facilities and a very supportive crowd,” the world No.15 said.