Former World No.1 and five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams has entered this year’s AEGON International, the joint WTA and ATP event, which will be held at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park from June 11-18 2011.
The American, who hasn’t played in Eastbourne since 1998, will be joined by French Open Champions Ana Ivanovic and Francesca Schiavone as well as last year’s AEGON International semi-finalist Sam Stosur.
Williams commented: “A lot of the players on the tour have told me about how much the tournament has grown in recent years and so I’m really excited at the prospect of playing in Eastbourne.
“It provides perfect preparation on grass ahead of Wimbledon, a tournament I really love and where I really want to perform well again this year.”
On the men’s side Australian favourite Lleyton Hewitt has entered alongside Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and last year’s champion Michael Llodra.
“I am excited to be playing in Eastbourne for the first time,” commented Hewitt. “I think it’s great that there is now a men’s tournament alongside the popular women’s event and it’s a great opportunity for me to prepare for Wimbledon. I’ve heard there are great crowds there and I can’t wait to get back on grass.”
For the first time this year the AEGON International will be launched with a Legends Event featuring the likes of Martina Hingis and Jana Novotna on the opening Sunday and Monday – June 12 and 13 2011. (If this goes out post Friday can we add Leconte and Greg to this line)
Tickets are still available for you to catch some of the world’s best ever players at this year’s tournament, so book today to avoid missing out. Visit www.aegoninternational.co.uk for more information or call 0844 209 7350.
The AEGON International tournament has been secured at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne for the next three years until 2013.