Brisbane - World number one and two-time Grand Slam champion
Angelique Kerber will return to the Brisbane International to launch her 2017
tour campaign, tournament organisers said on Thursday.
The German ended the 186-week reign of Serena Williams at
the top of the WTA rankings following victory in the US Open earlier this
month.
Kerber was runner-up to Victoria Azarenka in the last
Brisbane event on the way to her maiden Grand Slam win at the Australian Open
in January.
"For me, Brisbane kick-started the best season of my
career this year," Kerber said.
"You have to play tournaments that will prepare you for
the big moments, which for me, was winning the Australian Open and going on to
be the number one player in the world."
Kerber will be joined in the Brisbane women's draw by world
number three and reigning French Open champion Garbine Muguruza.
Muguruza is the second high-ranking Spaniard confirmed for
the Brisbane International with Rafael Nadal headlining the men's draw.
The Brisbane International takes place from January 1-8.