British tennis number two Heather Watson has announced she will play at the 2017 Aegon Open Nottingham in the summer.
24-year-old tennis star Watson is preparing to use the tournament as preparation for Wimbledon.
She is part of the Aegon GB Fed Cup Team to face Romania in the World Group II play-off in Constanta.
The Guernsey-born player will line up against Fed Cup teammate and world number seven Johanna Konta in Nottingham which runs from June 10 to 18.
Speaking to British Tennis, Watson said: “Nottingham is the ideal place to get an early feel for the grass and is a city and venue that really helps build the atmosphere of excitement ahead of Wimbledon.
“I’ve always enjoyed my time in Nottingham, where there is something extra special about playing in front of home fans for the first time during the summer.
“It is an important time of year, returning to play in Britain ahead of our home Grand Slam, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the grass in Nottingham.”
Watson collected her first Grand Slam title on grass last year winning the mixed-doubles with Henri Kontinen at the All England Club.
Aegon Open Nottingham WTA tournament director George Donnelly said: “Heather is a popular player with the fans and it is great that she is choosing to return to Nottingham again to kick off her grass court season.
“This year’s event presents fans with an exciting prospect of seeing the WTA stars alongside the ATP stars in what is the highest possible level of ATP Challenger so it will certainly be a thrilling week of tennis.”
