Monday 19 February 2018 15:01, UK
Garbine Muguruza will prepare for the defence of her Wimbledon title with an appearance at the Birmingham Classic in June.
The two-time Grand Slam champion defeated Venus Williams for her maiden Wimbledon title last year and will join British No 1 Johanna Konta and two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova in the field at the Edgbaston Priory Club.
Muguruza, 24, reached the semi-finals in 2017 at the WTA Premier event and the Spanish player is looking forward to playing in front of the British crowds once again, from June 16-24.
"It was an incredible few weeks for me playing on the grass last year," said world No 3 Muguruza.
"Winning my first Wimbledon title was so special and I can't wait to play in front of British crowds again.
"The courts in Birmingham are great and it's always a very strong line-up of players. It's a wonderful event that I always enjoy playing."
Kvitova is the defending champion at the tournament which forms part of the grass court summer and precedes the Eastbourne International which is the final event for players to fine-tune their preparations for Wimbledon, which runs from July 2-15.
The Birmingham Classic tournament director Patrick Hughesman said about Mugutruza's participation: "Having the reigning Wimbledon champion join us again in Birmingham is fantastic news.
"Garbine reached the world No 1 ranking in September 2017 and was awarded WTA Player of the Year for 2017 so she is definitely one of the biggest stars of the women's game right now and we look forward to welcoming her back to the Edgbaston Priory Club.
"With Jo Konta and Petra Kvitova also committed to play and more big names due to enter, our player field is set to be extremely strong this year."
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