Tennis legend to compete in Nature Valley Classic.
Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams will make her debut at the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham later this month. The tennis superstar has accepted a wildcard into the star-studded event, joining one of the strongest line-ups in the tournament’s history.
When the WTA Premier tournament main draw gets underway on 17th June, Williams will be competing for her fiftieth career singles title. She faces stiff competition from current World No1 Naomi Osaka, newly-crowned Roland Garros champion and World No.2 Ashleigh Barty, defending Nature Valley Classic champion and two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova. as well as in-form British No1 Johanna Konta and a host of other top players.
Williams has won a total of 24 Grand Slam titles – seven in singles, 14 in doubles as well as three in mixed doubles – and has been ranked number one in the world. With five Olympic medals, including four golds, Williams is also the most decorated tennis player in Olympic history.
Venus Williams said: “I’m really excited to be playing in Birmingham for the first time. I always love playing on grass in front of British crowds and have heard wonderful things about the tournament.”
LTA Nature Valley Tournament Director Patrick Hughesman commented: “We are delighted to welcome Venus to Birmingham. Having so many big stars playing this year gives us a great opportunity to open tennis up to a new audience. Venus is a tennis legend in her own lifetime and she’s also a fantastic role model, whose impact reaches well beyond the sport.”
The Nature Valley Classic, an LTA summer grass court event, will take place from 15th-23red June at the Edgbaston Priory Club, just fifteen minutes from the city centre, and has a unique place in the history of sport in the Midlands. It is the most prestigious annual women’s sports event in the region and attracts some of the biggest stars in women’s tennis as they play for a trophy named after Birmingham’s first women’s Wimbledon champion, Maud Watson.
Garbiñe Muguruza has been forced to withdraw from this year’s tournament with a left leg injury.
To purchase tickets or to access more information about the LTA’s Nature Valley Classic, head here. Centre court ticket prices start from just £12 for children under 16 and £30 for adults. Follow @LTA on Instagram, @LTA – Tennis For Britain on Facebook, or @the_LTA on Twitter to keep up to date with all the news surrounding the players’ journeys to the grass courts of Birmingham this summer.
