WTA top players will take part in Brisbane International

CANBERRA -- Seven of the WTA top 10 players, including Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka and Sloane Stephens will play the season-opening Brisbane International.

The Brisbane International, which runs from Dec 31 to Jan 6, is the beginning of a new season as well as the start of preparations for the Australian Open.

Svitolina, who won the WTA Finals and is the WTA World No 4, will defend the title she picked up 12 months ago.