Ivanovic bound for Brisbane

Serbian glamour girl Ana Ivanovic will use the world's newest tennis tournament as a key plank in her preparations for next year's Australian Open.

The 20-year-old on Friday confirmed her appearance at the 2009 Brisbane International, which will be held from January 4-11.

"This is a great new event on the calendar in a lovely part of the world," Ivanovic said.

"I am expecting a high quality field, some excellent weather and a great venue. It will be the perfect launching pad for my preparation for the Australian Open."

The world No.1 for the past nine weeks, Ivanovic will lose that ranking to compatriot Jelena Jankovic when the new rankings are announced on Monday.

Brisbane International tournament director Steve Ayles was thrilled the reigning French Open champion had agreed to play in the new combined men's and women's event.

"Ana's appearance is the ultimate endorsement for the event and the city," Ayles said.

"We plan to put on one of the best events in world tennis and now we can showcase the talent of the No.1-ranked female on the planet. She is a terrific player and a terrific person and I am sure she will love Brisbane as much as Brisbane will love her."

Ivanovic broke through for her first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros this year after making the final of the Australian Open in January, as well as last year's Roland Garros final and Wimbledon semi-final.

"She was one of the darlings of the Australian Open crowds in January and we imagine Brisbane will quickly appreciate her demeanour, athleticism, power and particularly lethal forehand," Ayles said.

Ayles is targeting Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal and Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic as the main priorities for the men's draw.

Ivanovic, who is the top seed at the Olympic Games in Beijing, faces Ukraine's Mariya Koryttseva in the first round on Sunday.

The Brisbane International combines the Next Generation Adelaide International for men and the Mondial Australian Women's Hardcourts on the Gold Coast.