Muguruza to play in Birmingham before Wimbledon title defence

Sports Monday 19/February/2018 22:00 PM
By: Times News Service
Muguruza to play in Birmingham before Wimbledon title defence

London: Spain's Garbine Muguruza will prepare for the defence of her Wimbledon title by playing the Birmingham Classic on grass in June, the tournament organisers said on Monday.
Two-time Grand Slam winner Muguruza, who defeated Venus Williams to claim her maiden Wimbledon title, will join British No. 1 Johanna Konta and twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the field at Edgbaston Priory Club.
"Winning my first Wimbledon title was so special and I can't wait to play in front of British crowds again," the world No. 3, who reached the semifinals in Birmingham last year, said in a statement.
Kvitova is the defending champion at the WTA Premier tournament, which will be played from June 16-24.
The event precedes the Eastbourne International, which is a last chance for players to fine-tune their grasscourt game before Wimbledon.