Thursday 1 February 2018 17:39, UK
British No 1 Johanna Konta says she will be keeping busy this summer ahead of Wimbledon.
Konta is intending to play in the Nottingham Open, Birmingham Classic and Eastbourne International in the lead-up
to the grass-court Grand Slam.
The 26-year-old was the runner-up in the Nottingham Open last year and went on to become the first British woman to reach the Wimbledon singles semi-finals since Virginia Wade in 1979.
However, she has endured a less successful time since and was upset by Bernarda Pera in the second round of the Australian Open last month.
Looking towards the summer, Konta said: "I'm so excited to be returning to play these fantastic tournaments.
"The grass-court season is one of my favourites and nothing compares to competing at home with passionate fans, friends and family who are behind you all the way.
"I know I'm incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd and especially in Eastbourne, where my family home is just a stone's throw away from Devonshire Park. It's such a special feeling.
"These tournaments also provide me with the perfect pathway to Wimbledon.
"Last year it proved to be the best preparation possible as I enjoyed my most successful Wimbledon ever, and hopefully it will have the same effect for 2018.
"As always I know there will be a really strong player field at Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne and I'll face some tough opponents in competitive matches, but I can't wait to get on court and fly the flag for British tennis."
