Ivanovic boost for Sydney tournament

 Ivanovic, 23, will be aiming to continue her good form in the new year after winning the WTA tournament in Linz, Austria in October and most recently the season-ending Tournament of Champions in Bali.

Currently ranked No.17 in the world, Ivanovic reached the Sydney International semi-finals in 2008, the same year she lost in the final of the Australian Open, won the French Open title and subsequently claimed the world No.1 ranking.

Australia's world No.6 Samantha Stosur and US Open champion Kim Clijsters will provide tough competition for Ivanovic in Sydney.

"The matches there in Sydney are incredibly tough because the women's draw is always excellent so I am looking forward to some good preparation before the Australian Open," said Ivanovic.

AAP wk/nh