Ivanovic announces Edgbaston return

Originally published on 24/04/14

The Serb will join 2013 Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki and a number of other high-profile players on the grass courts of the Edgbaston Priory Club from June 9-15.

The tournament has been upgraded to a WTA Premier event this year, with prize money of over $700,000.

Previous winners include Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Maria Sharapova, and Ivanovic is looking forward to returning to the Midlands after three years away.

“Returning to Birmingham for the Aegon Classic is very exciting for me,” said the 26-year-old, who was a semi-finalist in her last appearance at the event in 2011. “The tournament has a very intimate setting giving the perfect introduction to the grass court season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the grass back in Birmingham this June.”

The tournament will also be hosting a charity exhibition match on Sunday, June 15 to raise money for the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Former British No.1 Baltcha was diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year and the ‘Rally for Bally’ will feature 18-time Grand Slam champion Navratilova, Anne Keothavong, Tim Henman and Jamie Murray in a mixed-doubles exhibition match.

Tickets to the Aegon Classic are on sale from www.aegonclassic.co.uk.

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