Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova among Grand Slam champions to headline Brisbane field

Roger Federer will join a group of Grand Slam champions, including 2015 US Open runner-up Simona Halep and defending champion Maria Sharapova in ATP’s first event next year in Brisbane.

Federer, who had already confirmed his participation at the tournament, will be joined by Japan’s Kei Nishikori and former US Open champion Marin Cilic. Milos Raonic, David Goffin, Bernard Tomic, and Dominic Thiem will also compete at the tournament scheduled from Jan. 3 to 10.

Sharapova and Halep headlines the women’s field, which includes Gabrine Muguruza and world no. 10 Angelique Kerber. Tournament director Cameron Pearson said Brisbane International is excited to have strong draws in both men and women’s category and expects the tournament to go down as a fantastic week of tennis.

"We're thrilled to welcome our two defending champions back to Brisbane, who will both have a real fight on their hands to win back-to-back titles,” Pearson said, reports the tournament’s official website. “Every year the tournament increases in profile and the calibre of the 2016 field is certainly testament to the players' regard for the event."

Federer’s participation at the Brisbane International backs his statement that he is planning to extend his career for two more years. The 17-time Grand Slam winner said he is also looking forward to playing at Rio Olympics, but his momentum should start at the Australian Open next year.

"It's not my No. 1 priority. It starts with the Australian Open, which is just around the corner," Federer said, reports NDTV Sports. "That's what I see next. Then once Australia's over, that's when I look more towards the future."

Meanwhile, Federer, who is coming off a final round loss against Novak Djokovic at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, is set to end his year playing for Asia’s International Premier League. The tournament will kick off next month and will be played in Japan, Manila, Dubai, New Delhi, and Singapore.

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