Stosur takes wildcard for Nottingham

NOTTINGHAM, UK - Samantha Stosur has been awarded a wild card for the Nature Valley Open in Nottingham which gets underway this weekend.
 
Qualifying for the British Tennis event at the Nottingham Tennis Centre begins on Saturday with the first round of the main draw starting on Monday. 
 
The former Australian No.1 beat Serena Williams in the final of the US Open in 2011 and was runner-up at the French Open a year earlier, beating Williams again and former World No.1 Jelena Jankovic en route to the title match there. 
 
The 34-year-old former Doubles No.1 has also won two Grand Slam doubles titles and three Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, including success at Wimbledon in 2008 and 2014. 
 
“I am looking forward to coming to the Nature Valley Open for the first time and to play on the grass courts,” said Stosur.
 
“I have heard a lot of great things about the tournament and the entry field is very strong. 
 
“The right preparation ahead of Wimbledon is important and this tournament is ideal for me.”

Stosur joins Magdalena Rybarikova, Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka and British No.1 Johanna Konta for what is set to be a thrilling week of tennis in Nottingham.  
 
Last year's winner Donna Vekic and British No.2 Heather Watson are also part of an exciting line-up. 
 
Tournament Director Rebecca James said: “Sam is an exciting player and one I know tennis fans at the Nottingham Tennis Centre will look forward to seeing.
 
“She is a multiple major champion and a former World No.4 so she adds some real experience to the line-up at the Nature Valley Open.
 
“Sam is another great addition to the field and it is set to be a fantastic week of tennis.”