British number one Johanna Konta has announced her intention to play in the Nottingham Open, Birmingham Classic and Eastbourne International in the lead up to Wimbledon this summer.
Konta, who was the runner-up in the Nottingham Open last year, went on to become the first British woman to reach the Wimbledon singles semi-finals since Virginia Wade in 1979.
The 26-year-old is 10/1 for a Grand Slam breakthrough at Wimbledon, considerably shorter than Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki at 25s.
I’m so incredibly proud to be a part of women’s tennis in this day and age. What a tournament for both @CaroWozniacki and @Simona_Halep 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @WTA @AustralianOpen
— Johanna Konta (@JoKonta91) January 27, 2018
"I'm so excited to be returning to play these fantastic tournaments in the summer," said Konta. "The grass-court season is one of my favourites and nothing compares to competing at home with passionate fans, friends and family who are behind you all the way.
"I know I'm incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd and especially in Eastbourne, where my family home is just a stone's throw away from Devonshire Park. It's such a special feeling.
"These tournaments also provide me with the perfect pathway to Wimbledon. Last year it proved to be the best preparation possible as I enjoyed my most successful Wimbledon ever, and hopefully it will have the same effect for 2018.
"As always I know there will be a really strong player field at Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne and I'll face some tough opponents in competitive matches, but I can't wait to get on court and fly the flag for British tennis."
