Davenport, 32, who won the 2000 Australian Open title, has not played a tournament since the US Open in August, fueling speculation she was planning to retire.

'We are really excited that she has entered,' tournament director Craig Tiley said Thursday. 'She is a world class player and a great ambassador for our sport.' Davenport took a break from the WTA circuit for part of the 2006 and 2007 seasons before giving birth to a son, Jagger, in June 2007.

Entries for next year's Open have closed and the top 100 men and women are all on the list for the main draws. -- AP