Heather Watson to play at Nottingham Open

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has confirmed British number one Heather Watson will kick off her 2015 grass court season at the Aegon Open Nottingham WTA event.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - FEBRUARY 06:  Heather Watson of Great Britain in action against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during day three of the Fed Cup/Africa Group One tennis at Syma Event and Congress Centre on February 6, 2015 in Budapest, Hungary.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for LTA)BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - FEBRUARY 06:  Heather Watson of Great Britain in action against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during day three of the Fed Cup/Africa Group One tennis at Syma Event and Congress Centre on February 6, 2015 in Budapest, Hungary.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for LTA)
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - FEBRUARY 06: Heather Watson of Great Britain in action against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during day three of the Fed Cup/Africa Group One tennis at Syma Event and Congress Centre on February 6, 2015 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for LTA)

Watson will join a world-class player field in the tournament as Nottingham welcomes back some of the best tennis players as they prepare for The Championships, Wimbledon.

The Aegon Open Nottingham will see two tournaments take place in June; the women’s WTA event taking place from 8-14 June, and the men’s ATP event being staged from 22-27 June.

Both tournaments will be an integral part of the new British grass court season, which in 2015 will see a three week window between Roland Garros and Wimbledon for the very first time.

The extended grass court season will enable some of the world’s very best players extra time to find their feet on the surface and make the most of the very best grass courts in the country.

Speaking on her announcement, Heather said: “I’m really looking forward to playing at the Aegon Open Nottingham in June.

“It’s brilliant that we’ve got a brand new women’s event in Britain in the run up to Wimbledon and I’m excited to be part of its debut year.

“I love coming back to play on home soil every summer. The support from the home crowds for all of the British players is fantastic, which makes it extra special.”

The Aegon Open Nottingham (WTA) Tournament Director, Rebecca James, said: “We are delighted that Heather has chosen to play the Aegon Open Nottingham as part of her preparations for Wimbledon.

“This is a brand new event for 2015 and it’s great news that we will have the British number one here to help us kick things off.

“This is a city with a rich sporting pedigree and there’s no doubt there will be enthusiastic crowds here come June to cheer on Heather and all the top players we will have on court.”

David Macmillan, Chief Marketing Officer at Aegon said: “It is fantastic news that Heather Watson will be playing the Aegon Open Nottingham this summer.

“Being able to get behind a British player is part of what makes the summer of grass court tennis so special. The Aegon Open Nottingham will play a crucial part in players’ preparations for Wimbledon and we look forward to more player announcements. There will be a great atmosphere when Heather steps on court and we wish her the best of luck for the tournament.”

Nottingham City Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture and Tourism, said: “We’re thrilled to have such a star player announced for the Aegon Open Nottingham.

“Nottingham is proud to be hosting the prestigious tournament and with its world class players, such as Heather, spectators will be served up an impressive display of tennis at the Nottingham Tennis Centre.

“The City Council is working closely with the LTA and partners to ensure this event builds on Nottingham’s reputation as a globally recognised city of sport, as well as helping to increase interest and participation in tennis for local people.”

Tickets to the Aegon Open Nottingham go on general sale on Tuesday 3 March at 10am. An early bird discount will apply to all adult tickets bought before 28 April. Customers purchasing before 28 April save £5 on all adult tickets,

Tickets start from just £10 for an adult and £5 for a child / student in the early bird window. At full price, tickets start from just £15 for an adult and £5 for a child.