Johanna Konta announces hectic pre-Wimbledon warm-up schedule

British number one Johanna Konta has announced her pre-Wimbledon schedule as she bids to go at least one better than last year.

Konta became the first British woman to reach the singles semi-finals at Wimbledon since Virginia Wade in 1979 last year.

And she’s looking to once again log plenty of pre-tournament minutes on grass this time around.

“I’m so excited to be returning to play these fantastic tournaments in the summer,” the 26-year-old said. “The grass-court season is one of my favourites and nothing compares to competing at home with passionate fans, friends and family who are behind you all the way.

“I know I’m incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd and especially in Eastbourne, where my family home is just a stone’s throw away from Devonshire Park. It’s such a special feeling.

“These tournaments also provide me with the perfect pathway to Wimbledon. Last year it proved to be the best preparation possible as I enjoyed my most successful Wimbledon ever, and hopefully it will have the same effect for 2018.

“As always I know there will be a really strong player field at Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne and I’ll face some tough opponents in competitive matches, but I can’t wait to get on court and fly the flag for British tennis.”

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