BRISBANE, Australia - Maria Sharapova has taken a wildcard into the Brisbane International, which begins on January 6.
The former Grand Slam champion made the announcement on social media, saying: "Brisbane, I've missed you, and I'm so excited to be starting off my year 2020 at your tournament, in your city.
"I've missed the fans, I've missed the event so much, and I am so looking forward to seeing everyone."
The 32-year-old joins Naomi Osaka, Karolina Pliskova, Petra Kvitova and Angelique Kerber in the draw as well as Australian favorites Samantha Stosur, Ajla Tomljanovic, and World No.1 Ashleigh Barty.
Venus Williams was previously announced but has withdrawn from the event and will be replaced by a wild card in due course.
The tournament runs from January 6 to 12 at the Queensland Tennis Center.
![Sara Sorribes Tormo d. [WC] Gao Xinyu 6-7(4), 7-5, 7-5, Beijing R1 (4:15). Sorribes Tormo led 5-1 in the third set, and held off a late comeback attempt by Gao to win the fourth longest match of the Open Era.](https://photoresources.wtatennis.com/photo-resources/2024/09/26/f4607c83-dcf9-4897-9b41-90ae8c384a35/Sorribes-Tormo-R1-ST-2.jpg?width=451&height=268)
