Former world number one Victoria Azarenka to play Nottingham as part of Wimbledon build-up

Former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka and American star Madison Keys will play at the Aegon Open Nottingham WTA event in June.

Both players will be making their debut at the Nottingham Tennis Centre as part of their preparations for The Championships, Wimbledon.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Azarenka is joined by 21-year-old talented American, Keys, who is looking to add to her 2014 Aegon International Eastbourne title. Both have proven grass-court pedigree with Azarenka twice a semi-finalist at Wimbledon and Keys a quarter-finalist.

The Aegon Open Nottingham will see two tournaments take place in June, the women’s WTA event from 4-12 June 2016 and the men’s ATP event being staged from 18-25 June 2016. Both tournaments will be an integral part of the British grass court season, which features 11 international grass-court tournaments in eight venues across the country.

Speaking on her announcement, Victoria Azarenka said: “I’m really looking forward to playing the Aegon Open Nottingham tournament for the first time.

“I know the tournament was new to the calendar last year and I’ve heard great things from other players about the atmosphere, the city and what great preparation it was for the grass-court season ahead.

“It’s so important to get time on this surface ahead of Wimbledon, and I can’t wait to get on the grass courts in Nottingham.”

The Aegon Open Nottingham (WTA) Tournament Director, Rebecca James, said: “We are delighted to announce such a world-class star of the game for the Aegon Open Nottingham.

“Not only does Victoria bring one of the most exciting on-court games on the circuit, she is an engaging character off it and will provide great entertainment for fans coming to watch.

“It’s great news for the tournament that Madison will also be on court this summer.

“With these two top players, it shows that the tournament is growing in reputation after a great first year in 2015, I am excited at the prospect of some great tennis and I can’t wait to welcome them both to Nottingham.”

Tickets to the Aegon Open Nottingham are now on general sale. Tickets start from just £5.

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.lta.org.uk/major-events/aegon-open-nottingham