13 October 2011 | Tennis Queensland

One of Brisbane’s favourites, Ana Ivanovic, is confirmed to return to the Brisbane International in 2012.

Announced today the Serbian tennis star is looking forward to starting her Australian Open preparation in Queensland.

“I am very excited to be coming back to Brisbane next year,” Ivanovic said.

“I really enjoyed playing at the event in 2009 and 2010 and I’m looking forward to returning in January. It is one of my favourite times of the year and I love competing in Australia.

“The people are very friendly and open and I love the culture.  Everyone is just so relaxed and easy going and laid back and that is what I really like.

“One of the main motivations for me to return to Brisbane is the upgrading to a Premier event. It was a great event already as an International, but now with the improvements they have made and a stronger player field, it’s an important event for me leading into the Australian Open.

“I have always had great support in Brisbane and I hope it will be the same in 2012.

“I reached the quarterfinals in 2009 and the semis in 2010 so it would be nice to make it to the final this time round. My goal is to win it.”

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said he is thrilled that Ivanovic has committed to playing the Brisbane International next year.

“Ana is a huge drawcard for tennis fans in Queensland where she has always been popular, and I look forward to welcoming her back in 2012” Pearson said.

“Ana is a former French Open champion and her commitment is yet another endorsement of the event, which just gets bigger.

“Ana will be joined by fellow Grand Slam champions, Australia’s own Sam Stosur, current Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams in what will be the toughest contest seen in the women’s draw since the tournament commenced.”