Serena confirmed for WTA Sydney International

The 27-year-old American won the Australian Open in 2003, 2005 and 2007 and hopes a return to Sydney will help her chances of a 10th Grand Slam title after her victory at last month's US Open.

Williams has never won the Sydney International - which will be held at the Olympic tennis centre from January 11-17 - but has tasted success on the court after teaming up with older sister Venus to win the doubles gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Tournament organisers also said that current world number one Jelena Jankovic and second-ranked Dinara Safina will compete in the women's draw in Sydney. "Having Serena Williams back for the first time in a few years is just an absolute boon for the event," tournament director Craig Watson said.