By Australian Associated Press
Published: 20:28 EST, 27 December 2017 | Updated: 20:28 EST, 27 December 2017
A new coach and some familiar faces will help Johanna Konta in her quest for a maiden grand slam at what she says feels like home.
The Sydney-born world No.9 moved to the UK shortly before turning 14.
She won the Sydney International without dropping a set on her way to a career-best world No.4 this year, and semi- and quarter-final appearances at the past two Australian Opens have proved her fondness for her country of birth.
The Brisbane International will launch the 26-year-old's summer, with Konta preparing to play for the first time under Maria Sharapova's former coach Michael Joyce.
"I'm half-and-half now in where I've lived my life. It makes me feel very much at home when I come back," Konta said.
"The UK's my home but Australia will always have a special place in my heart."
Konta will have an early New Year's Eve celebration in Brisbane with her sister on Sundy before turning her focus to a tournament that features Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, Ashleigh Barty, Samantha Stosur and Karolina Pliskova.
"I finished my season quite early but it's a great place to jump into the deep end of things," she said.
Konta will back up to defend her Sydney title in early January, taking confidence from a breakthrough Miami Open title earlier this year.
"It was a step in a positive direction for me and two (grand slam) semis – in Melbourne and Wimbledon – gives me confidence that I can compete day in and day out on a regular basis," she said.
Qualifying for the women's main draw begins on Friday, with round one matches starting on Sunday.
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