Brisbane, Australia - Ana Ivanovic kept her sunny disposition despite rain on Saturday a day before the start of the new Brisbane International event.

The top-seeded French Open champion who is fighting for a return to the number one WTA ranking she held briefly last June wasn't bothered as a publicity photo shoot in a silver evening dress was forced into a change of venues.

But world number five Ivanovic has a lot more on her mind than unpredictable Queensland weather as she begins at the new tournament which also features a men's ATP field headed by compatriot Novak Djokovic.

Ivanovic lost the Australian open final a year ago to Maria Sharapova and hopes to go one step beyond that performance. "I want to take it a step further and hopefully win it," she said of the major.

"But it's important not to think too much about the final and take it step by step and enjoy every match."

Ivanovic is due for a showcase Monday start in Brisbane against 50th-ranked Czech teenager Petra Kvitova. The tournament rolls up the former men's Adelaide tournament and the Gold Coast competition for women.

The Serb has been training for several weeks with Spanish boyfriend Fernando Verdasco at beachside Noosa and said the plan might become a habit.

"I want to be here every year. It's a great place to be and I love the beach," said Ivanovic, who also has family in Melbourne to make it feel like home during the Open. (dpa)