Kerber, Muguruza locked in for Brisbane

Brisbane International organisers have pulled off a massive coup, with two of the world's top three female tennis players to compete at next year's event.

World No.1 and defending Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber will be joined by No.3 Garbine Muguruza at the tournament starting on January 1.

The visit will be Kerber's fifth to the Brisbane event, having lost the final to Victoria Azarenka last year.

"Players like to repeat appearances where they have had success and Angelique has had the best year of her career," tournament director Geoff Quinlan told News Corp Australia.

"She is looking to again have a great year, starting in Brisbane.''

Rafael Nadal has also been confirmed for the men's draw.