Roger Federer to open 2014 season at Brisbane

Switzerland’s Roger Federer serves a ball to Argentina’s Frederico Delbonis during their semifinal match at the bet-at-home German Open ATP tennis tournament in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday July 20, 2013. AP/dpa, Axel Heimken

BRISBANE, Australia — Roger Federer will open his 2014 season at the Brisbane International as a warm up for the Australian Open.

Federer will make his first appearance at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena starting Dec. 29 after starting his season at an exhibition tournament in Qatar for the past four years.

The 17-time major winner is the first drawcard to be announced for the 2014 Brisbane event, which has previously attracted players of the caliber of 2012 and 2013 champion Andy Murray and 2007 winner Novak Djokovic, as well as defending women’s champion Serena Williams.

Federer said in a statement Wednesday he “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.”