BEIJING, CHINA - OCTOBER 05: Sabine Liscki of Germany returns a shot against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during the Women's singles second round match on day five of the 2016 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 5, 2016 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

The Kooyong CLassic will feature not only a men's draw, but also a women's draw in 2017.

It is only the second time women will play the lead up event to the Australian Open, with the only other occasion in 1993.

Grand Slam finalist, Sabine Lisicki will headline the female, while Australian Ajla Tomljanovic and Romanian Sorana Cirstea will also feature in the round robin event.

'"The feedback from the players and coaches was clear that the appetite is there for matches at Kooyong like the men currently have," tournament director Peter Johnston said.

"So it's a great option for the players, and there's no doubt that from an event presentation point of view, the inclusion of women into the field will broaden the appeal."

Bernard Tomic, Belgian David Goffin and Frenchman Richard Gasquet will headline the men's side of the draw.