Friday 22 June 2018 18:05, UK
Andy Murray has accepted a wildcard to the Nature Valley International at Eastbourne as he continues his recovery from injury.
The two-time Wimbledon champion had been out for almost a year with a hip injury before returning at Queen's earlier this week, where he lost in three sets to Nick Kyrgios.
Murray, who underwent surgery in January, will feature at the ATP 250 grass court event for the first time since 2006, when it was staged at Nottingham. A decision is expected to be made on whether he will play at Wimbledon after his participation.
It was good to get back to competition at Queen's this week, and I'm hoping to build on that next week at Devonshire Park
"I'm looking forward to getting some more time on the grass courts at Eastbourne this week," Murray said.
"I played Davis Cup there in 2006 and I know the courts and facilities there are excellent. It was good to get back to competition at Queen's this week, and I'm hoping to build on that next week at Devonshire Park."
The former world No 1 revealed after his defeat to Kyrgios he would wait to see how his body responded before deciding on his next steps but his inclusion sees him join Stan Wawrinka as a wildcard entrant into the event.
"Andy is a great champion and immensely popular with fans both here in Britain and around the world," said Nature Valley International tournament director Gavin Fletcher.
"With two Wimbledon titles to his name his grass court credentials are impeccable and I'm sure the fans will give Andy a warm welcome down here in Eastbourne."
British No 1 Kyle Edmund will also feature in the field as players seek to fine-tune their preparations for the third Grand Slam of the season.
