Next year's Sydney International draw has been boosted by confirmation that US Open champion Naomi Osaka will make her debut at the event.
The January 6 to 12 tournament is one of the key lead-up events for the Australian Open with Osaka joining defending champion and three-time grand slam winner Angelique Kerber in the field.
World No.6 Osaka became the first Japanese player to win a grand slam when she defeated Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows last month, after claiming her first ATP title at Indian Wells in March.
The 20-year-old earlier this week was the third player to secure a berth at the season-ending eight-woman WTA Finals in Singapore.
"I'm looking forward to playing in front of the Sydney fans for the first time, and hopefully getting plenty of court time in at Olympic Park in the lead-in to the Australian Open," Osaka said.
Tournament director Lawrence Robertson was excited to have secured Osaka's presence in the harbour city.
"She is one of the most exciting players, and intriguing personalities, competing right now and we are delighted that Sydney fans will have the opportunity to enjoy her thrilling brand of tennis firsthand here at Olympic Park," she said.
