• WTA Tour

Venus to make Eastbourne return

ESPN staff
May 5, 2011
Venus Williams has not played at Eastbourne since 1998 © PA Photos
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Former world No. 1 Venus Williams has signed up for the traditional Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Eastbourne for the first time since 1998.

The five-time Wimbledon champion usually heads home to Florida after the French Open, but has committed to the AEGON International in a bid to prepare for the grass-court slam.

Having not played since January, Williams, 30, will break with tradition in a bid to get some matches under her belt.

The last time Williams competed at Eastbourne, the American was just 18 and was yet to claim her first grand slam.

Williams is joined in the main draw at Devonshire Park by French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic and Sam Stosur.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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