Clijsters insists that this will be her last season on the tour and her return will be eagerly anticipated after pretty much six months out with injury. The Belgian has played a couple of exhibition events over the off season, defeating Caroline Wozniacki convincingly in Antwerp.

She competed in Brisbane two years ago, playing out a thrilling final with old rival Justine Henin which she edged in a final set tiebreak. "I'm really looking forward to coming back to Brisbane in 2012," Clijsters said. "The last time I was there I played extremely well. The final against Justine was a big match. We were extremely focused and set the bar pretty high. I was so excited to win that match and am hoping to get that kind of preparation again. Having won Brisbane in 2010 and then the Australian Open in 2011, I'm looking forward to getting back to Australia to defend both my titles."  

Typically, Serena has not competed since the US Open final but despite turning 30 at the end of September, the American remains the player to beat.

Many will be hoping for another explosive clash between Serena and Sam Stosur. The Aussie achieved her lifetime's dream when she won the US Open and this week will provide a stern examination of her form ahead of the big events to come in Melbourne.

And there are plenty more high profile stars in action, including Francesca Schiavone, Jelena Jankovic, Andrea Petkovic and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.