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“This was one of the earliest tournaments I ever played and has always held a special place in my heart,” Williams said of Sydney in a statement issued through the organisers. “The last time I played in the Sydney International I was 18 years old, so a lot has changed in this time.”
Williams’ stellar year saw her return to the world top five for the first time since 2011, the year she was diagnosed with strength-sapping Sjogren’s Syndrome. She said she was still driven to succeed. “I have been playing some really great tennis this year and I feel I’m in a strong position, both physically and mentally, in the lead up to Sydney,” she said.
“The Australian summer is always a favourite of mine, I really love the atmosphere the crowds bring and I’m confident in my preparation over the next few months to put on a good show for the Australian fans.” Britain’s Johanna Konta won the tournament this year, overwhelming Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4, 6-2 in the final. The 2018 event, a warm-up for the Australian Open, runs from January 7-13.