Both defending singles champions will be back at Tennyson's Pat Rafter Arena, with women's number three Maria Sharapova confirming her involvement for 2016, while Gold Coast product Sam Stosur is also confirmed for the tournament.

Federer has made the final the past two years, winning in 2015, and said the family feel in the city was a big factor outside the tennis.

"It's a really nice week for us as a family … we really enjoy all of us being there. Brisbane I really like as a city, the fans have been unbelievable there, the stadium is beautiful. There's so many things to like about it."

Sharapova's Brisbane experiences had been mixed with injuries hampering her success at the tournament but she overcame those setbacks for her first win here in January.

"Everything around [the tournament] is great; the conditions are great, it's quite warm, we want to be able to practice and to play matches in the toughest conditions," she said.

The Brisbane International has attracted big crowds since its inaugural 2009 tournament and Sharapova said that was part of the appeal.

"As an athlete it's extremely special to play in front of a full crowd from the opening day and that tells you a lot about their expectations, they're waiting during the year for all the top athletes to go there and to compete in front of them and it makes us play better, that's for sure."

Men's world number four Kei Nishikori is the other high-profile man to announce his entry.

A three-time semi finalist, Nishikori played out a tight final four match against Canadian Milos Raonic, ultimately losing.

The Brisbane International will run from January 3-10 2016.

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