AEGON International tennis: Smashing line-up all set to thrill tennis fans
The Aegon International kicks off on June 20 at Devonshire Park with the main draw starting on Monday June 22.
Semi-finals day will be Friday June 26 and the final will be held on Saturday, June 27.
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Hide AdIf last year is anything to go by, tennis fans are in for a treat, after American Madison Keys won the women’s singles title to announce herself on the big stage.
She will back to defend her title while six of the the top ten women will battle it out for the title.
Fans’ favourite Caroline Wozniacki, who won the tournament in 2009, is back along with British number one Heather Watson.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will hope for a better showing after pulling out of last year’s quarter-final with Watson because of injury.
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Hide AdMeanwhile, Laura Robson is widely expected to receive a wildcard and make her comeback at the tournament after an injury-ravaged 2015. She has stepped up her training but has only been playing practice sets.
The tournament is seen as the ideal preparation for Wimbledon, which starts the week after.
“We are delighted with this year’s player field for the Aegon International,” tournament director Gavin Fletcher said.
“Once again some of the best players in the world have chosen to make their final preparations for Wimbledon on the grass courts at Devonshire Park.”
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Hide AdThe tournament traditionally attracts some of the most famous names in the women’s game, with Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin, Jana Novotna and Martina Navratilova among famous past champions.
Home grown talent and British number two Johanna Konta will be looking to add her name to the illustrious list.
The 24-year-old was recently beaten by Monica Niculescu in the quarter-final of the Nottingham Open.
Had she won she would have reached her first ever WTA tour semi-final, something she is hoping to do in her home town.
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Hide Ad“Playing in Eastbourne is always a very special occasion for me and I am excited to be able to play in front of a home crowd once again this year.
“The courts are always in such good condition and as the line-up is so strong it will be a very important week for me as I begin my grass court season.”
There will be no mens tournament this year as that tournament has returned to Nottingham for 2015.
The women’s tournament has always been the biggest draw, though, and it promises to be another treat for Eastbourne’s sports fans once more.
Tickets are still available for the Aegon International
http://www.lta.org.uk
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