Caroline Wozniacki confirms title defense in Eastbourne in June
World no. 12 and the two-time Nature Valley International Eastbourne champion Caroline Wozniacki has confirmed she will defend her title between June 24-29, joining Johanna Konta in the main draw. Struggling with an injury, Wozniacki has played just five WTA tournaments so far in 2019, reaching the final in Charleston and hoping for more of the same in Madrid, Rome and Paris before embracing the grass swing. Eastbourne has always been one of her favorite tournaments, making a debut there at the age of 17 in 2008 and lifting the fifth WTA title there a year later, still before turning 19.
After two early exits in the following years, Caroline bounced back in 2013, 2014 and 2015 when she reached the semi-final before advancing into the title match two years ago, losing to Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-4. Last June, Caroline was back at her best on grass, toppling Camila Giorgi, Johanna Konta, Ashleigh Barty, Angelique Kerber and Aryna Sabalenka to celebrate the second Eastbourne title, hoping for another one next month.
“Eastbourne holds a special place in my heart, and it’s nice to see so many loyal fans and families coming to the event year after year who make all the players feel so welcome,” said Wozniacki. “There are some great things you can do in and around the event, and there aren't many tournaments where we get to interact so closely with the fans. That creates a unique atmosphere that makes Eastbourne an extraordinary place for us to play."
“It’s wonderful to have Caroline back in Eastbourne in 2019 to defend her title,” said Fletcher. “She had a thrilling run through the draw here last year, culminating in a great final against Aryna Sabalenka. Caroline is always a fan favorite here in Eastbourne and is sure to receive a rousing welcome whenever she competes. The Nature Valley International has long been popular with fans because of the tournament’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Our events play a key role in driving the visibility of our sport and inspiring more people, both children and adults, to pick up a racket. We look forward to building on the success of a record 2018 tournament that saw us sell out center court and No.1 court on six of the seven main draw days, and achieve a record attendance of 51,641 visitors to the event.”
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2J51gB9
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