Konta feeling at home in Aust Open lead-up

Johanna Konta says she still feels at home in Australia as she aims for her first grand slam title.

Johanna Konta is fresh and in familiar territory as she searches for a maiden grand slam title at the Australian Open.

A new coach and some familiar faces will help Johanna Konta in her quest for a maiden grand slam at what she says feels like home.

The Sydney-born world No.9 moved to the UK shortly before turning 14.

She won the Sydney International without dropping a set on her way to a career-best world No.4 this year, and semi- and quarter-final appearances at the past two Australian Opens have proved her fondness for her country of birth.

The Brisbane International will launch the 26-year-old's summer, with Konta preparing to play for the first time under Maria Sharapova's former coach Michael Joyce.

"I'm half-and-half now in where I've lived my life. It makes me feel very much at home when I come back," Konta said.

"The UK's my home but Australia will always have a special place in my heart."

Konta will have an early New Year's Eve celebration in Brisbane with her sister on Sundy before turning her focus to a tournament that features Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, Ashleigh Barty, Samantha Stosur and Karolina Pliskova.

"I finished my season quite early but it's a great place to jump into the deep end of things," she said.

Konta will back up to defend her Sydney title in early January, taking confidence from a breakthrough Miami Open title earlier this year.

"It was a step in a positive direction for me and two (grand slam) semis - in Melbourne and Wimbledon - gives me confidence that I can compete day in and day out on a regular basis," she said.

Qualifying for the women's main draw begins on Friday, with round one matches starting on Sunday.