Roger Federer will change up his preparation for the 2014 Australian Open after announcing he will play the Brisbane International in December.
Roger Federer will change up his preparation for the 2014 Australian Open after announcing he will play the Brisbane International in December.
Federer opted not to play a lead-up event prior to this year's Australian Open, choosing instead to give his body an extended break.
But the 31-year-old Swiss ace has decided to incorporate more tournament play before the first grand slam event of 2014, spending the New Year in Queensland to take in his first Brisbane International from December 29 to January 5.
"I've heard many great things from the other players, they say it's a very friendly tournament, fan friendly, player friendly," Federer said.
"What else do you expect to be quite honest? In Australia you guys do great work.
"For some time we've been in contact with Brisbane (International) and I saw how the tournament got stronger and stronger ... and the connection with Pat Rafter, him having the arena named after him I think is great.
"I've always hoped that I could come there ... so I am happy we are all able to make it work.
"I'm not just coming there (to Australia) for the Australian Open, especially when I commit so early in advance, it's also to win in Brisbane."
While it may be Federer's first experience of the Brisbane International, the world number five revealed he has visited Australia's north once before.
"I have been to Queensland some time ago now ... when I was 14 years old, and I travelled through Queensland with my family," he said.
"It was our last vacation before I entered the National Tennis Centre when I came back to Switzerland.
"We visited Rainbow Beach; we spent a few nights in Brisbane, and then went up to Cairns.
"We also went to the Great Barrier Reef ... we had a good time and ever since I've loved Australia.
"I've also had Australian coaches as many know, and always enjoyed coming back to Australia."
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