Serena, Clijsters confirm for Brisbane International

BRISBANE, Australia (AFP) – Serena Williams could get a chance of revenge against Samantha Stosur on the Australian’s home soil after announcing she will start her 2012 season at the Brisbane International.
Queenslander Stosur, who will also play the tournament, won her first Grand Slam in September by beating a fiery Williams 6-2, 6-3 in the US Open final.

Thirteen-time major champion Williams has never played in Brisbane and said she was looking forward to it.
“Well, I never played in Brisbane and I have never been to Brisbane but I have heard great things about it,” she said.
“It is brand new for me, so all that is going to be really exciting, and it will help me with my seeding going into the Australian Open too, so that would be good.”
Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters were also confirmed for Brisbane ahead of the Australian Open later January, the first Grand Slam of the year.
Clijsters, who missed the US Open last month with a stomach muscle injury, won in Brisbane in 2010 and is hungry for another title.
“With Maria (Sharapova), Sam (Stosur) and Serena confirmed for the Brisbane International it is going to be a tough contest but also be a great chance to test your form leading into the first Grand Slam,” said the Belgian.
“Having won the Brisbane event in 2010 and then the Australian Open last year I am looking forward to getting back on the court in Australia to defend both my titles.
“Australia has always been a home away from home for me and I am very comfortable there. I am thrilled to be returning in January.” The Brisbane International runs from January 1-8.