Current world number two Ana Ivanovic has confirmed she will take part in the Eastbourne International Women's Open Championship.
Ivanovic to make Eastbourne debut in Wimbledon.
Current world number two Ana Ivanovic has confirmed she will take part in the Eastbourne International Women's Open Championship.
The Serbian will make her debut at the Eastbourne event, which starts on June 14, in a warm-up for Wimbledon as she looks to improve on her semi-final display last year.
Ivanovic impressed with her SW19 performance last season and she will bid to go even further as she lines up in a strong field at Eastbourne.
Last year's beaten finalist Marion Bartoli of Italy will play on the south coast along with former Wimbledon champions Amelie Mauresmo and Lindsay Davenport.
"I have been told that Eastbourne is great preparation for Wimbledon," said Ivanovic.
Debut
"There's a very strong field this year at Eastbourne but I really enjoy playing on grass having reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year.
"This is a new arena for me but other players tell me that they always enjoy playing at Eastbourne.
"I know the facilities are great and of course it's close to London. Most times we have to travel very far to the next event."
Ivanovic has six WTA titles under her belt already, and Eastbourne tournament director Gavin Fletcher is delighted to have a crowd favourite attending the event.
"Ana is a crowd favourite wherever she goes and I'm sure she'll delight the fans here," Fletcher said.
"She will help to make this tournament one of the best we've ever had."
Eastbourne will also hold a men's event next year as it hosts the tournament currently staged in Nottingham to produce a combined WTA/ATP tour double-header at Devonshire Park just before Wimbledon.
