Sydney: Victoria Azarenka and Ana Ivanovic will play in the Brisbane International joining Maria Sharapova in a strong field, organisers said on Sunday.
Dual Australian Open champion Azarenka and 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic confirmed their entry alongside five-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova and Australia`s 2011 US Open title-holder Sam Stosur.
Their entry takes the number of Grand Slam champions set to play in Brisbane in January to seven, with the four women`s champions to be joined by 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, two-time major winner Lleyton Hewitt and this year`s US Open champion Marin Cilic.
Azarenka returns to Brisbane where she won her first-ever career singles title.
"Brisbane has always been a very special tournament for me after winning the title there in 2009," Azarenka said.
"I know it`s going to be a very strong field and give me the best possible start to the new season."
Ivanovic, the current world No.5, will return to Brisbane for a fourth time next year following a successful season on tour.
Also competing in Brisbane in January will be Japan`s US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori and rising Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov.
The men`s field boasts four men ranked inside the world`s top 11.
The Brisbane International will be held at Queensland Tennis Centre from January 4 to 11.