Star tennis players are getting ready for the next season and have already planned their preparations for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, which is scheduled for January.
Former World No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams is expected to make her debut opposite John Isner in the Hopman Cup scheduled in Perth from Dec. 29 to Jan. 5.
According to the organizers, the two will be representing the U.S. in the mixed international tournament.
Venus's sister Serena, who would be warming up for the next season with the Brisbane International, had won the tournament partnering Mardy Fish in 2008 and James Blake in 2003.
The World No. 10, Isner on his part had won the tournament last year partnering Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
"I've never been to Perth -- I've never played the Hopman Cup, so for me it's going to be a wonderful experience," Williams said in a media statement provided by the organizers. "I've watched it literally every year on TV so now I get to play, I'm very excited."
This will be the third appearance at the tournament for Isner, who likes the format as it gives a chance to players to feature in at least three matches.
"For me it's the perfect way to start the year," Isner said. "It has the pressure of matches but then it's not exactly an ATP tournament."
And Isner is looking forward to partnering Venus for other reasons than her impressive game. "My previous two partners have been very very small. But Venus is a little bit taller so I'm not going to look like such a giant out there.
"She's obviously one of the greatest players ever so I think our team has a good shot to do well," added the 6 feet 9 inches tall Isner.
"The US team is a formidable one with John Isner currently top ten and having a magnificent year, and Venus Williams a former number one and seven-time Grand Slam champion and multiple Olympic gold medal winner," Event Director Steve Ayles added in the statement.
"With two highly competitive teams - Serbia and USA - confirmed, Hyundai Hopman Cup is shaping up to be a great event."
Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic will be representing Serbia in the event.