2012 French Open winner Maria Sharapova will join US Open champions Serena Williams and Andy Murray at the Brisbane International in the warm up for next year’s Australian Open, the officials announced recently.  While Andy and Serena have already played this tournament, Maria will make her first appearance at this venue.

“Going into Australia after a long off season you always want to have the best possible matches,” Sharapova stated. “I tried to put Brisbane on the map last year but unfortunately couldn't make it out of injury... I have heard so many great things about it.”

On the other hand, US Open champion Serena loves coming to this event and is looking forward to another appearance, “I love the tournament, it's great," she said. “It helps me prepare. I get a great tournament... tough field. I had so much fun this year but unfortunately it ended fast for me with a disaster of an injury.”

 Murray has already confirmed his entry and will come out to defend his title next year. He beat Alexandr Dolgopolov in this year’s final.