Brisbane International: Azarenka, Ivanovic confirm entries
Twice Australian Open champion Azarenka and 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic confirmed their entry alongside five-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova and Australia's 2011 US Open title-holder Sam Stosur.
Their entry takes the number of grand slam champions set to play in Brisbane in January to seven, with the four women's champions to be joined by 17-time grand slam champion Roger Federer, two-time major winner Lleyton Hewitt and this year's US Open champion Marin Cilic.
Azarenka returns to Brisbane where she won her first-ever career singles title.
"Brisbane has always been a very special tournament for me after winning the title there in 2009," said Azarenka. "I know it's going to be a very strong field and it will give me the best possible start to the new season."
Ivanovic, the current world number five, will return to Brisbane for a fourth time next year following a successful season on tour.
Also competing in Brisbane in January will be Japan's US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori and rising Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov.
The men's field boasts four men ranked inside the world's top 11.
The Brisbane International will be held at Queensland Tennis Centre from January 4 to January 11.
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