Grand slam winners Caroline Wozniacki and Petra Kvitova have confirmed where they will conduct their preparation ahead of the Wimbledon championships later this year.
World No.1 Wozniacki is set to play at the Eastbourne International for the tenth time in her career. The Dane, who won her first and so far only title on the grass at the tournament back in 2009, finished runner-up to Karolina Pliskova last year. The event is categorised as a Premier tournament and has been a regular fixture on the women’s calendar since 1978.
“I’ve had an exciting start to the year so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing where that takes me in the first half of the season, and during the British summer of tennis.” Wozniacki said in a statement.
“The Eastbourne fans have always given me a very warm welcome to Devonshire Park and I’ve had some memorable results there over the years, particularly winning the title in 2009.
“I hope to build on my 10-year history at the tournament this summer, and to get the best possible grass court preparation in at the Eastbourne International ahead of Wimbledon.”
Last month Wozniacki won her first grand slam title at the age of 27 when she defeated Simona Halep in the final. This year the Dane is hoping to break into new territory on the grass. Despite previously winning 28 titles on the WTA Tour, she is yet to reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. Something she has done at the three other majors on multiple occasions.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova is aiming to defeat her title at the Birmingham Classic. It was at the tournament last year when she won her first trophy since returning to the tour from a serious hand injury.
“That week in Birmingham was so special for me and I’m very excited to come back. I got amazing support. I always love playing on grass and in the UK so I’m really looking forward to it.” Said Kvitova.
Kvitova is only the third person on the Women’s tour to win multiple grand slam titles on the grass within the past 20 years. The others are Venus and Serena Williams.
The Birmingham Class will get underway on June 18th. A week before the start of the Eastbourne International.
