<div><p>SYDNEY (Reuters) - U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters will build-up for next year's Australia Open with her first appearance at the Brisbane International tournament, organizers said Friday.</p><p>"Kim is an extremely popular player with both fans and players and it will be great to see her competitive spirit come alive on court," Brisbane tournament director Steve Ayles said in a statement.</p><p>"We are particularly excited to have her in the tournament after her unbelievable return to women's tennis at the U.S. Open where she had stunning victories over both the Williams sisters." Clijsters beat Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki 7-5 6-3 in the U.S. Open final on September 13 to claim her second grand slam title. She won the same Flushing Meadows title in 2005.</p><p>The Belgian was playing just her third tournament after coming out of retirement. She had quit the game in 2007 and had a baby during her time out.</p><p>"Australia is a home away from home for me and I am thrilled to be coming back in January for the Brisbane International," Clijsters said of the January 3-10 tournament. "I am also particularly keen to spend some time in and around Brisbane and soak up the beautiful surrounds with my daughter Jada and husband Brian who will be traveling with me."</p><p>(Writing by Greg Stutchbury in Wellington; Editing by Ossian Shine)</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=59032166&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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