The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has confirmed today that British star Laura Robson has been awarded a wild card to the main draw of the Aegon Open Nottingham between 4-12 June.
With just four weeks to go until this year’s WTA event, Robson, 22, joins a strong British contingent at the Nottingham Tennis Centre, joining the nation’s top three ranked players – Johanna Konta, Heather Watson and Naomi Broady
The star-studded line-up at the WTA event also includes two former world No. 1 players, Victoria Azarenka and Caroline Wozniacki.
Last month Robson won her first match in the main draw of a WTA tournament since 2013 and this year’s British grass-court season marks 12 months since the former world No. 27 returned from a long-term wrist injury at the Aegon International Eastbourne.
The Aegon Open sees Robson, who reached the last 16 at The Championships, Wimbledon in 2013, return to Nottingham for the first time since she featured in the Aegon Trophy, an ITF Pro Circuit event, in the city in 2012.
Speaking on the announcement, Robson said: “I am really looking forward to coming to Nottingham this summer. It has been a few years since I have played at the Nottingham Tennis Centre and I am excited to be returning as I remember how great the grass courts are there. I really enjoy this time of year, to be able to play in front of a home crowd, and it is fantastic to see a strong British turn out for the event as the fans always create such a great atmosphere. Preparing well on the grass is key ahead of Wimbledon and Nottingham is the perfect place to start.”
The Aegon Open Nottingham (WTA) Tournament Director, Rebecca James, said: “I am delighted to add Laura’s name to the list of British players that will be gracing the grass courts of Nottingham this summer. It is shaping up to be an excellent field of players to entertain the crowds. It is great to see Laura back on the tour and I am sure fans will be excited to see her play in the city again and show her their support.”
Tara McGregor-Woodhams, Head of Brand and Sponsorship Aegon UK, commented: “The Aegon Open Nottingham was a fantastic addition to the grass court calendar last year and we are delighted to welcome many stars from the WTA to the city to begin their grass court preparations.”
The Aegon Open Nottingham will see two tournaments take place in June, the women’s WTA event taking place from 4-12 June 2016. Both tournaments will be an integral part of the British grass-court season, which features 11 international grass-court tournaments in eight venues across the country.
Fans can watch action at the Aegon Open Nottingham for as little as £5. Please visit the tournament website for more details.