Wednesday 18 April 2018 18:12, UK
Maria Sharapova is in line for a first competitive appearance on British soil for three years after being confirmed in the Birmingham Classic field.
The two-time winner in Birmingham last played on the grass courts at Wimbledon in 2015 and was due to feature in the tournament last year after being awarded a wildcard but was forced to withdraw with a thigh injury - a problem which saw her miss the entire grasscourt campaign.
Sharapova joins Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova and British No 1 Johanna Konta at the Edgbaston Priory Club, from June 18-24.
"Maria is one of the biggest stars of her generation and a former champion in Birmingham, so it will be great to see her back on the grass courts of the Edgbaston Priory Club," tournament director Patrick Hughesman said.
"This year's line-up of players is already incredibly strong and we could get more big names signing up in the next couple of weeks."
The five-time Grand Slam champion has struggled for form since her return from a doping ban last April and split with coach Sven Groeneveld after a first-round defeat to Naomi Osaka at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells last month.
Sharapova has not played since her participation in the Californian desert and pulled out of the Miami Open with a forearm injury.
Coverage of the ATP Monte Carlo Rolex Masters gets under way from 10am on Sky Sports Arena every day this week.
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