Tennis world number five Rafael Nadal will play the Brisbane International for the first time next year.

The Spanish ace has traditionally favoured the Middle East to start his new year campaign, but will break with tradition in January for his maiden appearance in the sunshine state.

"It's going to be the first time in my career that I'm going to play in Australia the first week of the season and I'm really excited about it," Nadal said.

Tournament organisers have been in talks for some time with the 14-time Grand Slam champion.

Brisbane International tournament director Geoff Quinlan said Nadal would be a sure-fire favourite with fans.

"We've been in talks with Rafa for a number of years about competing in Brisbane, he's seen the event get bigger and better every year and we're ecstatic he's decided to join the field in 2017," he said.

"Rafa is a legend of the sport and one of the most exciting players to see live so I'm sure fans will be counting down the days to January.

"This is just the start of a very exciting line-up of players we will announce over the coming months as we look ahead to Brisbane International 2017."

The Brisbane International takes place at the Queensland Tennis Centre from January 1 to 8.

The tournament is part of the Australian Open Series, which also incorporates Hopman Cup (Perth), Apia International Sydney, Hobart International and World Tennis Challenge (Adelaide).

Nadal recently narrowly missed a medal in the men's singles at the Rio Olympics.