Next month's Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham is set to feature the strongest line-up of players ever seen in its 38-year history.
The current world No.1 Naomi Osaka, world No.2 and defending champion Petra Kvitova, and British No.1 and Fed Cup hero Johanna Konta will be joined by some of tennis’ most exciting young players, including Ashleigh Barty, Anett Kontaveit, Bianca Andreescu, Aryna Sabalenka and Qiang Wang.
2017 Wimbledon and 2016 Roland Garros champion Garbiñe Muguruza will also compete on the grass courts of the Edgbaston Priory Club, alongside 2017 US Open finalist and 2016 Nature Valley Classic champion Madison Keys, World No.6 Elina Svitovina and last year’s Wimbledon semi-finalist Julia Goerges.
The WTA International tournament will take place from 15-23 June at the Edgbaston Priory Club - check out the full player entry list.
Who said what?
Naomi Osaka, world No.1
"I'm excited to come back to Birmingham. I enjoy the challenge of playing on grass and I've had some great matches and results on it, so this year should be fun. British crowds are great to play in front of so I'm looking forward to it."
Petra Kvitova, world No.2
“Birmingham is one of the events on the calendar that I look forward to the most. I have beautiful memories from winning the title the past two years. The tournament has a special atmosphere and makes the players feel so welcome. It will be amazing to be back there this summer."
Madison Keys, world No.14
“Birmingham is such a wonderful event and I have some great memories of playing and winning there. It's the perfect place to compete ahead of Wimbledon, especially as it always has such a strong line-up of top players which means that you know you're going up against some of the best players in the world. I'm really looking forward to getting back on the grass there."
What happened last year?
Petra Kvitova became the first player in thirteen years to successfully defend the Nature Valley Classic title with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over Magdalena Rybarikova in a compelling final at the Edgbaston Priory Club.
Rybarikova started brightly, with Kvitova showing more nerves than the Slovak in the early stages. Rybarikova, herself a Birmingham champion in 2009, stormed to an opening set lead before Kvitova began to show her ferocious grass court game.
The crowd was also treated to an exciting, high quality doubles final, with 2018 Australian Open champions Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos winning the title via a nail-biting match tiebreaker over Belgians Elise Mertens and Demi Schuurs.
Catch the stars courtside!
Watch world class women's tennis in Birmingham and secure your seat today - Centre Court tickets are available from £20 per person.
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