The former world No. 1 confirmed that   she will play at the 2014 tournament from January 5 to 11.

 The 33-year-old Florida-based seven-time grand slam champion, who has won an impressive 44 career singles titles, said she was excited about making her Tasmanian debut.

 ``I've never played in Hobart before,'' said Williams, who joins Australian No. 1 Sam Stosur among the tournament drawcards.

``I hear it's a very beautiful city and I can't wait to meet my fans there.

``The tournament is played on the same surface as the Australian Open, so it will be great place to get some good match practice against tough opponents before I head to Melbourne.

``I've heard from other players on the tour that Hobart is a great event, and I am really looking forward to competing.''

Tournament director and executive director of Tennis Tasmania  Mark Handley  was delighted with the news.

``Venus is a sustained superstar of world sport and we are rapt she will be able to display her grand slam-winning talent in Hobart,'' he said.

``With both Sam Stosur and Venus now confirmed to compete in the event, we're excited to showcase these two amazing athletes to the Tasmanian community.''

When Serena graced the 2007 tournament, Handley's predecessor Michael Roberts was prompted to suggest that she was the highest-profile sports player ever to compete in Tasmania.

Currently ranked 64th in the world, Venus has won Wimbledon five times and  the US Open twice and has  been a finalist in Australia and France, while 32-year-old Serena's 17 grand slam titles have included winning all four tournaments at least twice.

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings said the state's tennis calendar was becoming ``more exciting by the day''.

``Tasmanians will get to see some of the giants of world tennis right here on their doorstep,'' she said.

``We wait with bated breath to hear which Russian superstars will make up the team for the Fed Cup in February.''

NET CALLING

WHAT: Hobart International tennis tournament.

WHERE: Domain Tennis Centre.

WHEN: January 5-11.

TICKETS: Available through Ticketek, from $20 for adults.

MORE INFORMATION: www.hobartinternational.com.au.