Davenport, 32, who won the 2000 Australian Open, has not played a tournament since the U.S. 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.''
As well as her Australian Open singles title, Davenport won Wimbledon in 1999 and the U.S. Open in 1998. She took part in this year's Australian Open, losing to eventual champion Maria Sharapova in the second round.
Davenport took a break from the WTA Tour 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.
Sharapova ‘on track’ for Aussie Open
Del Nido Calls On Sevilla Fans For Support
Italy And France To Host 24 Team Euro 2016?
