Venus Williams to play Hobart WTA event

American star Venus Williams has been confirmed as a starter in the Hobart WTA International in January, organisers said on Wednesday.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion, now ranked 48, will be making her first appearance in the tournament in the run-up to the Australian Open in Melbourne.

"The tournament is played on the same surface as the Australian Open, so it will be a great place to get some good match practice against tough opponents before I head to Melbourne," Williams said in a statement.

She will join Australia's former US Open champion Sam Stosur in the event from January 5-11.