Australian Samantha Stosur, defending champion Petra Kvitova and world No.2 Simona Halep have all confirmed they will return to the Sydney International in January.

The hard-hitting trio join a talented women’s field who will complete their preparations for the Australian Open in Sydney, with Agnieszka Radwanska, Caroline Wozniacki and Dominika Cibulkova having all previously confirmed their attendance.

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“The Sydney tournament always gets unbelievable cut offs,” says Stosur.

“Everybody’s looking for those matches leading into the Aussie Open and you’ve got to play someone usually in the top 25 straight up.

“Nothing’s easy there but its certainly a good chance to see how you stack up against the best in the world.”

Kvitova defeated fellow Czech Karolina Pliskova in straight sets, albeit via two tie-breaks, to win the 2015 final and says returning to the scene of her victory should come with some advantage.

“As the defending champion there’s so many nice memories and I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.

“It’s something really special and gives you confidence that you did so well last year in the tournament.

“I just defended my title in New Haven so finally I know how to do it.”

Meanwhile, Romanian Halep’s return marks her first time back at the tournament since 2014, after she was ruled out due to illness last year, before recovering to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.