Petra Kvitova to play at Eastbourne

World number four Petra Kvitova will prepare for the defence of her Wimbledon title by playing at the Aegon International Eastbourne this summer.

The two-time SW19 champion reached the quarter-finals last year, before she was forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury.

"I'm really excited to be returning to the Aegon International Eastbourne this summer. It is a special tournament for me and one I always enjoy playing," the 25-year-old told the LTA's official website.

"The crowds there really know their tennis and the intimate site is a great place for the fans to get close to the action. From the first round, every match is tough which makes it the perfect warm-up event in the week before Wimbledon."

The competition finishes two weeks before Wimbledon gets underway.