Nature Valley Open: World class women's field confirmed for Nottingham

The Natue Valley Open in Nottingham will be celebrating its fifth birthday this year and what better way to honour the occasion by unveiling one of its strongest player line-ups to date... 

Defending champion Ashleigh Barty leads the pack and is joined by 2017 winner Donna Vekic, world No.22 Caroline Garcia and GB Fed Cup stars Johanna Konta and Katie Boulter. 

Kristina Mladenovic is also set to make an apperance and will be reunited with Garcia after their Fed Cup triumph two weeks ago. The French duo, who won the doubles title at Roland Garros in 2016, teamed up in the deciding doubles rubber to defeat Romania and send France into the final. 

The WTA International tournament will take place from 8-16 June at Nottingham Tennis Centre - check out the full player entry list.

Nature Valley Open Tournament Director, Rebecca James said: "We are excited by this year’s line-up and I am sure the spectators are looking forward to some top-class tennis. Having the past two champions back is fantastic and it is great to have two members of GB’s successful Fed Cup team.

“As ever, we have special themed days including the family fun day where, who knows, we might unearth a tennis star of the future. The Nature Valley Open is a chance for anyone to see top-class players in action, at a friendly and welcoming venue.” 

Who said what?

Ashleigh Barty, world No.9 

“I can't wait to return to Nottingham this year to defend my title. I love playing on the UK grass courts and Nottingham is a fantastic way for me to start my Wimbledon preparation. 

“I have some great memories from this tournament over the past three years and 2018 was very special to come away with the win. I hope I can be there again on women's finals day.”

Johanna Konta, British No.1 and world No.47

“I’m really excited to be returning to play these fantastic tournaments this summer (Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne).  The grass court season is one of my favourites and nothing compares to competing at home with passionate fans, friends and family, who are behind you all the way. 

“There is always a strong player field in Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne with no easy matches. I really hope the fans come out to support me and the other players all the way. These tournaments also provide me with the perfect pathway to Wimbledon.”

Katie Boulter, British No.2 and world No.91

“Playing in the East Midlands, so close to home, is very special for me and I am excited to be returning to Nottingham to play on the excellent grass courts. 

“Playing for my country in Fed Cup this year has given me some of the best moments of my career so far. Playing in, and winning, big matches is what I want to do week in, week out and I can’t wait to get back out on court in front of a home crowd.  Nottingham is one of the highlights of the year for me and I am really looking forward to it.”

What happened last year? 

Two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Konta reached the final for the second year in the row, defeating Kurumi Nara, fellow Brit Heather Watson, Dalila Jakupovic and 2017 champion Donna Vekic en route. 

She faced Australian No.1 Ashleigh Barty for the crown, who prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in front of a packed Centre Court to capture her first Tour-level trophy on grass. 

Throughout the week, there was plenty of cheer amongst British fans as Katie Swan qualified for her first WTA tournament and Katie Boulter reached her first WTA quarter-final.

In doubles, third seeds Alicja Rosolska and Abigail Spears triumphed in the women's doubles as they defeated Heather Watson and Romanian partner Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-3, 7-6(5).  Check out our five favourite moments that made the tournament in 2018!

The Nature Valley Open also features a men's ATP Challenger event. Last year, Davis Cup hero Dan Evans reached the final, narrowly falling to Australian rising star Alex de Minaur. The 2019 line-up will be announced in the coming weeks...