British tennis legend, Ann Jones, has been awarded the ultimate sporting accolade as the Edgbaston Priory Club unveils that its brand new centre court, which will open in time for the start of this year’s Aegon Classic, will be named in honour of the 1969 Wimbledon champion.

Kings Heath-born Jones had enjoyed a glittering tennis career, competing internationally for 15 years , winning two French Open singles titles, reaching six other Grand Slam singles finals and attaining a career-best world ranking of No. 2 in 1967 and again in 1969.  She retired in 1971 after beating Billie Jean King at the Las Vegas World Pro championship and discovering she was expecting her first child.

Ann was one of only four women to turn professional during the advent of Open tennis and in 1970, was one of the founding members of the original women’s-only tennis circuit. 

Peter Bretherton, President of the LTA, said: “We are delighted that the new Centre Court at the Edgbaston Priory Club will be named in honour of Ann Jones. She is, without doubt, one of the all-time greats of women’s tennis both nationally and internationally and so it is only fitting that her achievements and contribution to our sport are recognised in this way at the very Tournament that she helped to bring to fruition.”

The Ann Jones Centre Court will be officially opened on Sunday 9th June at the start of this year’s Aegon Classic ladies tennis tournament. An exhibition match featuring Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, Heather Watson and one other player will also take place on this day to mark the occasion.

Staged in the heart of Birmingham, the Aegon Classic is one the of the UK’s major tournaments ahead of The Championships, Wimbledon. Offering the chance to see some of the world’s top international female tennis players, this prestigious tournament is returning to Birmingham’s Edgbaston Priory Club from the 9th to the 16th June.

Tickets for the Centre Court Grand Opening are now on sale priced from £5 for children aged 16 and under and £15 for adults at www.aegonclassic.co.uk/tickets, along with tickets to the rest of the tournament including Ladies Day on Thursday 13th June. Tickets for the Centre Court Grand Opening are selling fast so make sure you buy yours now to avoid disappointment.