Ivanovic set for Eastbourne debut in run up to Wimbledon

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Serbia's Ana Ivanovic, currently ranked second in the world, is the latest big name to enrol for Eastbourne's International Women's Open Championship which starts on June 14.

The 20-year-old has compiled an impressive grass-court record, reaching the Wimbledon semi-final last year, and will make her Eastbourne debut at Devonshire Park - joining star rivals like former world No 1 Amelie Mauresmo, American comeback veteran Lindsay Davenport - both Wimbledon champions - and Marion Bartoli, last year's beaten finalist at the All-England Club.

Ivanovic, now resident in Basle, Switzerland will fly from the French Open to England's south coast and said: "I have been told that Eastbourne is great preparation for Wimbledon."

She already has six WTA Tour titles to her name, with one victory coming in 2008 in Indian Wells, and will be a strong challenger for the crown currently held by twice-winner, the recently-retired Justine Henin of Belgium.

Ivanovic said: "There's a very strong field this year at Eastbourne but I really enjoy playing on grass having reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year.

"This is a new arena for me but other players tell me that they always enjoy playing at Eastbourne.

"I know the facilities are great and of course it's close to London. Most times we have to travel very far to the next event."

Gavin Fletcher, Eastbourne tournament director, said: "Ana is a crowd favourite wherever she goes and I'm sure she'll delight the fans here. She will help to make this tournament one of the best we've ever had."

Next year Eastbourne will host the men's event currently held in Nottingham, which will be moved to Devonshire Park to create a combined men's ATP and WTA tour double-header.

Nottingham title-holder Ivo Karlovic, of Croatia, has confirmed he will defend his crown when the event goes ahead again next month on June 16.

The 6ft 10 ins giant snatched his first ATP Tour title last year by beating Russia's Dimitry Tursunov in the semi-final and Frenchman Arnaud Clement in the final. He is currently ranked 21 in the world.

Holder: Ivo Karlovic