Maria will play her first tournament of 2013 at the Brisbane International. This will be Maria's first appearance at the Premier level event which runs from December 30th - January 6th.

On playing Brisbane, Maria said: "I am so looking forward to coming to Brisbane for the Brisbane International. It will be my first time attending so I can't wait to see all my fans there. Going into Australia after a long off season you always want to have the best possible matches. 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. It is such a big event for all the players."

Brisbane International Tournament Director, Cameron Pearson, said the announcement of Maria is great news for fans.

"Maria Sharapova is a global tennis superstar and an exciting addition to our player field, which of course already includes Andy Murray - the newly crowned US Open men's singles champion, and we look forward welcoming her to Queensland and providing fans with some great tennis action.

"Maria choosing to start her year in Queensland is testament to the quality of the Brisbane International and the competition on offer," Pearson added.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, welcomed the female tennis champion to Brisbane.

"Queensland tennis fans will be thrilled to welcome Maria Sharapova to Brisbane for the 2013 tournament," said Ms Stuckey.

"The Brisbane International is a great event on our calendar, last year attracting a record 92,802 attendees, giving Queensland world-wide exposure.

"Events like this are a major contributor to the state's economy, playing an important role in the Newman Government's goal to establish Queensland as Australia's number one tourist destination."

Video - Maria talks about playing in Brisbane next year

For further tournament information please visit www.brisbaneinternational.com.au