Serena Williams has not played since winning the Australian Open in January while she was six weeks pregnant.
But just four months after the birth of her daughter Alexis Jr, she is set to return to the court.
The 36-year-old will take on French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko next Saturday at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
And she will follow that up with her full competitive return next month at the Australian Open.
Ranked as the world No 22, she would not need a wildcard for the first Grand Slam of the season.
“I am delighted to be returning to the court in Abu Dhabi for the first time since the birth of my daughter in September,” Williams said.
“The Mubadala World Tennis Championship has long marked the beginning of the men’s global tennis season.
“And I am excited and honoured to be making my comeback as part of the first women to participate in the event.
“I look forward to seeing the fans in Abu Dhabi at the 10th Edition of the Championship very soon.”
Rafael Nadal was also supposed to play at the event but was forced to withdraw due to ongoing knee issues.
Milos Raonic and Stan Wawrinka have also pulled out of the event in Abu Dhabi which runs from December 28-30.