The former world number one has not featured on the WTA Tour since the US Open – when she was beaten in the final by Naomi Osaka.

Williams's straight-sets defeat at Flushing Meadows was overshadowed by a row with umpire Carlos Ramos, who she labelled a "liar" and a "thief" after being penalised with a game penalty following code violations for on-court coaching, racket abuse and verbal abuse.

The Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi is scheduled to be Williams's next tournament at the end of the month, providing her with a platform to be ready for the first grand slam of 2019 when she could match Margaret Court's record of 24 titles.

Williams has not featured in Melbourne since winning her 23rd major title in 2017 while pregnant with her daughter Alexis Olympia, who was born the following September.

Her return was confirmed by tournament organisers, with Simona Halep and defending champion Caroline Wozniacki also in the field.

Andy Murray will be included in the men's draw alongside Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The Briton spent much of 2018 recovering from injury and will use his protected ranking of number two at the event, which begins on 14 January.