Kvitova to play in WTA Sydney International

Wimbledon champion and world number two Petra Kvitova will play in next month's Sydney International, according to tournament organisers. The 21-year-old Czech will become the third reigning Grand Slam titleholder to play in the Sydney event along with French Open winner Li Na and US Open champion Sam Stosur. Kvitova, who also won the season-ending WTA Championships, will be playing in Sydney for the first time. "I have had some great results in Australia over the years, winning in Hobart and Brisbane, so hopefully 2012 will be my year to win the title in Sydney," Kvitova said. Both the top two ranked women's players will play in the Sydney International following last week's confirmation of world number one Caroline Wozniacki's entry. Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt and 2010 champion Marcos Baghdatis are confirmed starters for the men's event. The Sydney International takes place at the Sydney Tennis Centre from January 8 to 14.