Novak Djokovic to play Adelaide International ahead of Australian Open
Friday 6 December 2019 12:26, UK
Novak Djokovic will play in the inaugural Adelaide International tennis competition in January ahead of his Australian Open title defence.
World No 2 Djokovic will start his competitive preparation for the new season at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi from December 19-21, before representing Serbia in the inaugural ATP Cup in Australia in early January.
The 32-year-old Serbian, who beat Rafael Nadal to claim a record seventh Australian Open title earlier this year, will then arrive in Adelaide for the combined WTA and ATP tournament from January 12-18.
The women's field will feature American seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams, alongside world No 1 Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova and Kiki Bertens.
"Novak and Venus are amongst the all-time greats of our sport and we can't wait to see them right here in Adelaide," tournament director Alistair MacDonald said in a statement.
The Australian Open, the year's first Grand Slam, will be held at Melbourne Park from January 20 until February 2.
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