Today Laura Robson plays her first singles match on home soil this year in what promises to be a high-quality meeting against 2011 Aegon Classic finalist Daniela Hantuchova.

This battle of the generations between 30-year-old Hantuchova and 19-year-old Robson could be one of the matches of the tournament if both live up to their grass court pedigree.

They have played twice before, in 2009 and, more recently, in February this year and Hantuchova has won both times. Those matches were not on grass though, and crucially, not played in front of Robson’s home crowd. Those factors might just work to the British No.1’s advantage today.

“I’m very happy to be back on the grass,” said Robson. “I’ve lost to Daniela a couple of times. She’s a very strong player on grass. It will be a tough match.

I’m just going to go out there with a lot of confidence on the court and try and play my best.”

Around the Grounds

Later on in the day, 2011 champion and fifth seed Sabine Lisicki takes on Kristyna Pliskova, while third seed Sorana Cirstea kicks things off on Court 2 against Tsvetana Pironkova.

Heather Watson

No-one is more thrilled to see Heather Watson fit again and playing here in Birmingham than Watson herself. Her beaming smile has already lit up the Ann Jones Centre Court twice - during Sunday’s Grand Opening of the court and after yesterday’s win over Melinda Czink. The smile will be back again if she can beat Russia’s Alla Kudryavtseva in today’s first match.

Kirsten Flipkens

Kirsten Flipkens is top seed at this year’s Aegon Classic and the talented Belgian could be a tough proposition today for Croatian qualifier Ajla Tomljanovic. Flipkens relaxed ahead of this match with a visit to Birmingham’s Sea Life Centre – quite appropriate for a player whose nickname is Flipper!