Dinara Safina is the latest player to join the Brisbane international line-up this January.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles said he was happy to confirm the No.1’s appearance in Brisbane this January despite her recent injury.
“Safina will be the fourth No.1 to be named for the Brisbane International women’s draw in 2010, Ayles said.
“She joins Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters and Ana Ivanovic in a very strong and competitive women’s field.
“We have been in negotiations with Safina for some time and it is just a shame that when we are ready to announce her attendance she suffers an injury in Doha.
“Safina is a fighter and I know she is really looking forward to returning to Queensland.
“I have no doubt she will be here in January and I cannot wait to see all the action this summer. Safina will be a strong addition to the women’s draw.”
The 23 year old Russian said she is excited to be returning to Queensland in 2010 and to play in the Brisbane International for the first time.
“After playing on the Gold Coast from 2004 to 2008, I am pleased to return to Queensland to play in Brisbane and I am looking forward to seeing the new facilities,” Safina said.
“The Brisbane International will be the perfect tournament to get some tough match practice in the lead up to the Australian Open as well as give me the opportunity to see all that Brisbane has to offer over the summer.”
“I hope to repeat my performance from the Gold Coast in 2007, where I beat Martina Hingis and take out my second Australian women’s singles title in Queensland.
“I am looking forward to the challenge and I cannot wait to get there.”
Safina, who was seeded No.1 at the end of season Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, suffered an injury to her back in her first round match against Jelena Jankovic.
As a result she has just miss out on the year-end rankings honour which will go to Serena Williams for the first time since her only previous No.1 finish in 2002.
Throughout her career, Safina has won 12 career titles and has been a finalist on 12 other occasions including three Grand Slams, at the French Open in 2008 and 2009 and the Australian Open in 2009.
In 2009 Safina became No.1 in the world for the first time on the 20 April, making her and her brother, Marat Safin, the first brother-sister combo to achieve the No.1 ranking. She has also had a win-loss record of 55-15 year to date for 2009 (as of 26 October 2009).
Brisbane International 2010 series packages and single sessions are on sale now. Ground passes remain $9.90 with the qualifying event on Friday 1-2 January 2010 remaining free.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.