Venus Williams will headline January’s Sydney International, 20 years after she last played at the lead-in tournament for the Australian Open.

The 37-year-old world No.5 was runner-up to Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in the 1998 final and since gone on to win 49 WTA career titles, four Olympic gold medals and seven Grand Slam singles championships.

“This was one of the earliest tournaments I ever played and has always held a special place in my heart,” Williams said.

“The last time I played in the Sydney International I was 18-years-old, so a lot has changed in this time.”