Serena Williams to launch Australian Open bid in Sydney

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Serena Williams will launch her campaign for a fourth Australian Open title at next year's Sydney International.

The 27-year-old American won the Australian Open in 2003, 2005 and 2007 and hopes a return to Sydney will help chances of a 10th grand slam title after her victory at last month's U.S. Open.

Williams has never won the Sydney International, which will be held at the Olympic tennis center from January 11-17, but has tasted success on the court after teaming up with older sister Venus to win the doubles gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Tournament organizers also said Thursday that current world number one Jelena Jankovic and second-ranked Dinara Safina will would compete in the women's draw in Sydney while the men's event will feature Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

(Reporting by Julian Linden. Editing by Alastair Himer)