Defending Champion and current world number two Kim Clijsters will return to Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park this summer (17-24th June) in a bid to recapture the sparkling grass court form that led to the Belgian star lifting the Hastings Direct International Championships trophy in 2005.
Kim Clijsters said: “I’m very excited to be going back to Eastbourne, it was my first time there last year and I met so many nice people. The crowd was really good and I had some great matches there so for me it was the perfect tournament to lead up to Wimbledon. I can’t wait to get back to Eastbourne to see all the friends that I made last year again.”
This will be Kim’s second appearance at the Hastings Direct International Championships and her eagerness to return to the south coast speaks volumes about the importance of the event in the eyes of the world’s top female tennis players.
Clijsters added: “The atmosphere at Eastbourne is very important. It’s such a relaxing place and you have all the facilities that you need. Last year we had some nice weather and the courts were incredible so I’m really looking forward to coming back. The whole organisation is perfect which makes it a lot easier for the players. The grass court season is a little short but Wimbledon and Eastbourne are two of my favourite tournaments of the whole year.”
Tickets are currently on sale for the Hastings Direct International Championships which offers tennis fans a fantastic opportunity to watch some of the world’s finest players. Ticket information is available from the box office 01323 412000. Qualifying for this year’s event will take place between Saturday 17 and Monday 19 of June 2006. The main draw will be played between Monday 19 and Saturday 24 of June 2006 at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne. Each day’s play will commence at 11:30am.
"We are delighted that Kim has decided to play in Eastbourne this year and defend her title. She was extremely popular with the crowd last year and we hope she will be one of many high calibre players heading down to play at the Hastings Direct International Championships." Gavin Fletcher, Championships Director.
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