Roger Federer to start 2014 at Brisbane International

Swiss champion Roger Federer will begin his 2014 season at Australia’s Brisbane International for the first time, tournament organisers said on Wednesday, in a bid to improve his Grand Slam hopes.
Federer, a 17-time major winner, has slumped to world number five in the rankings for the first time in a decade during a disappointing season and said he would kick off 2014 at Brisbane ahead of the Australian Open.

‘I’ve always hoped that I could come there (to Brisbane), so I am happy we are all able to make it work,’ he said.  ‘I’m not just coming there for the Australian Open, especially when I commit so early in advance, it’s also to win in Brisbane.’  Andy Murray is the defending champion.