Grand Slam winner Sam Stosur has become the seventh WTA top ten player to be confirmed to play at the Aegon International in Eastbourne, having received a wild card from the tournament.
The 29-year-old is the latest star to confirm her attendance at Devonshire Park, June 15-22, as the game’s elite begin their final preparations for The Championships, Wimbledon.
Stosur has been a mainstay in the world’s top ten since 2011, currently at No.9, and is the first Australian woman in 31 years to win a Grand Slam – at the US Open in 2011 – while she is also a four-time Grand Slam winner and former world no.1 in doubles.
The 2010 French Open finalist made the semi-finals of the Aegon International two years ago and is looking forward to her first grass tournament of the year.
She said: “I am really looking forward to heading back to the Aegon International as I did pretty well last time I was in Eastbourne. It’s also fantastic preparation for Wimbledon.
“The level of competition is absolutely world class so I am expecting it to be a tough tournament, but I’m looking forward to getting on the beautiful courts and playing in front of a full crowd.”
Stosur enters a fantastic field alongside world No.4 Agnieszka Radwańska, No.5 Sara Errani and No.6 Li Na as well as fellow top ten players Petra Kvitova, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber, who are also confirmed.
Britain’s Laura Robson and Heather Watson will be leading home hopes while last year’s champion Tamira Paszek will be returning to defend her title.
The men’s draw is headed by Argentine world No.17 Juan Monaco although he will face stiff competition from other top 20 players Gilles Simon and Philipp Kohlschreiber, among other international stars.
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.
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