Karolina Pliskova joins an already strong line-up for the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham

Michael Graham 13 Jun 2019 7:49 AM

World number three Karolina Pliskova has made an already-strong Birmingham field even more impressive by signing up to play the Nature Valley Classic.

Pliskova, who was runner-up in the tournament in 2015 has accepted a wildcard to join world number one, Naomi Osaka, and world number two, Ashleigh Barty in the event.

Venus Williams, Johanna Konta, Elina Svitolina, and Jelana Ostapenko are also due to feature.

“I’m very happy to be coming back to Birmingham because it has a fantastic line-up of players this year and the competition will be really strong,” Pliskova said.

“There is no better way to open my grass court season. I have great memories of playing in the final there in 2015 and I’d love to go one better this time.”

LTA Tournament Director Patrick Hughesman added: “Karolina is a fantastic addition to this year’s amazing player field and we’re delighted to welcome her.

“Having the world’s top three-ranked players is a first for the tournament and fits with the LTA’s vision to make the event bigger and better each year allowing us to open the tournament and the sport up to a wider audience.

“Birmingham is becoming a city of sport and we’re right at the heart of that.”

Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.