Serena Williams to play Brisbane International

Brisbane: Serena Williams has confirmed she will play in the Brisbane International tuneup event before next year's Australian Open.

Brisbane tournament officials said on Wednesday that Williams, the defending champion, and Australian Lleyton Hewitt would join previously announced Roger Federer at the hard-court tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre from December 29-January 5.

The Australian Open, which Williams has won five times, begins on January 13 at Melbourne Park. Williams, the world No. 1, will be attempting to win her 18th Grand Slam singles title.

Williams has won nine WTA titles this year, including her fifth US Open title and second at the French Open. Hewitt recently led Australia back into the Davis Cup's elite World Group after a six-year absence. He also reached the round of 16 at the US Open.