Azarenka to return from injury at Eastbourne

Originally published on 12/06/14

The Belarusian has not played for three months due to a foot injury that has troubled her since the start of the year. Her last match was in March when she was beaten in the opening round in Indian Wells by Lauren Davis, but she is now looking to build her fitness ahead of Wimbledon.

"I've worked hard to rehabilitate my injury and to get fit for my return,” said the world No.8. “I've played at Eastbourne three times and always enjoyed it. The grass courts are world class, which will give me the best possible start to the second half of the season, and the perfect preparation for Wimbledon."

The 24-year-old was runner-up at Eastbourne in 2010 and has twice made the semi-finals at Wimbledon. She will join a high-quality line-up on the south coast from June 14-21 including world No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska, No.6 Petra Kvitova and former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki.

"I have great memories of playing at Eastbourne, particularly in 2010 when I reached the final, and 2014 is obviously a very special year for the tournament. The draw is incredibly strong as usual, and I am very excited to be a part of that,” she said.

Gavin Fletcher, tournament director at the Aegon International, added: “It's fantastic that Victoria Azarenka will make her make her return to the tour, and to Devonshire Park on the 40th anniversary of the tournament. Once again the event has attracted an incredible line-up with five players in the world's top 10 and 10 of the world's top 20.”

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