The BBC has signed a deal with the LTA to cover the Aegon International in Eastbourne this June after a five year break, showcasing tennis from some of the world’s top male and female players.
Coverage will commence from Tuesday 18 June through to the finals on Saturday 22 June and will be broadcast live on BBC Two HD and online.
Lawrence Robertson, Commercial Director at the LTA said: “The LTA are delighted that the BBC has extended its commitment to the grass court season and is back with us in Eastbourne after five years away.
“The BBC’s commitment to cover the event bears testament to the quality of the tournament and the field we have assembled. With a mix of Grand Slam champions, Top 10 players and a number of the games future stars, it promises to be a wonderful week of tennis for fans in Eastbourne and at home”
Barbara Slater, Director of Sport at the BBC said: “The BBC are delighted to be coming back to Eastbourne. With comprehensive coverage of the event from Tuesday, our presence further underpins the BBC’s commitment to tennis in this country alongside our coverage of the Aegon Championships at Queen’s and of course, Wimbledon.”
Viewers and spectators will be able to watch some of the world’s best male and female players after a stellar player field has today been announced.
View full player list
Defending champion Tamira Paszek has confirmed she will return to defend her title after winning one of the most exciting finals on the WTA Tour last year, saving five match points against Angelique Kerber before taking the match 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.
World No.4 Agnieszka Radwańska, the highest ranked player to enter the event so far, will be looking for another successful grass court season having reached the final of The Championships, Wimbledon last year, as will World No.6 Angelique Kerber and 2011 champion Marion Bartoli, who will both be returning to the event.
But they will come up against stiff competition with British No.1 Laura Robson already confirmed and former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic and former two-time Grand Slam Champion Svetlana Kuznetsova also lined-up for the tournament held 15-22 June.
Another name to look out for is rising US star Sloane Stephens, who will hope to continue her good form after defeating Serena Williams at the Australian Open earlier this year.
The men’s draw has 2012 runner up Andreas Seppi attempting to go one better this year and reclaim the title he won in 2011 after going down 6-3, 6-2 to Andy Roddick in last year’s final.
Frenchman and former world No.6 Gilles Simon is the current No.1 seed while Argentinean Juan Monaco and last year’s quarter-finalist at Wimbledon, Philipp Kohlschreiber, are also in the draw.
Davis Cup by BNP Paribas winners Radek Stepanek, for Czech Republic in 2012, and Viktor Troicki, for Serbia in 2010, and 20-year-old Australian Bernard Tomic add further star power to the tournament.
Tournament Director Gavin Fletcher said: “We are delighted to announce a world-class field for the men’s and women’s tournaments at this year’s Aegon International, with 12 of the world’s top 20 women having entered the draw.
“There’s a great combination of the world’s best players and rising stars and we’re expecting a fantastic week of tennis for both the players and the crowds.”
A bumper crowd is expected again at Devonshire Park this year – particularly on the opening day of the tournament, after it was announced that entry to the grounds will be free. Centre Court and Court One will also have unreserved seating, making it the ideal time to see great tennis served daily.
Sunday June 16 will feature a host of legends competing in a Father’s Day tussle as former British No.1 Greg Rusedski faces off with Mark Philippoussis before they team up with former world No.1 Lindsay Davenport and two-time Wimbledon Doubles Champion Rennae Stubbs in a mixed doubles match.