Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka will begin his 2017 campaign by making his debut at the Brisbane International in January.

The world No.3 and 2016 US Open champion could meet Spain’s Rafael Nadal at Pat Rafter Arena, with the 14-time grand slam winner also confirmed for the Australian Open lead-up tournament.

By competing in Brisbane, Wawrinka walks away from India’s Chennai Open, where he has won the past three editions and played every year since 2009.

Wawrinka climbed to his highest career ranking after winning the US Open in September, beating world No.1 Novak Djokovic in a four-set final.

The victory was his third grand slam title following wins at the Australian Open in 2014 and 2015 French Open.