Serena Williams, Roger Federer to headline Brisbane International
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Top-ranked Serena Williams will defend her title at next month's Brisbane International among a powerful women's field in preparation for the Australian Open.
Williams' opponents at the Dec. 29 to Jan. 5 Brisbane tournament will include six of the world's top-10 players. The field announced Thursday includes No. 2 Victoria Azarenka — the 2009 champion — Maria Sharapova, Jelena Jankovic, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki.
The men's field is headlined by 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, whose rivals include top-20 players Kei Nishikori of Japan, Gilles Simon of France and Kevin Anderson of South Africa.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tournament director Cameron Pearson said "to have Roger Federer and Serena Williams headline the event is a remarkable result and testament to the high regard the players have for the tournament."