Bencic withdraws from Lugano, Barty confirmed for Nottingham
Belinda Bencic has been forced to withdraw from the Samsung Open due to a foot injury.
In an Instagram post, she wrote: "Would love to play in front of the home crowd...wishing everyone a great week and I will be there to support."
Since returning from a five-month injury layoff in 2017, the Swiss star has won four titles, including back-to-back WTA 125K Series titles in HuaHin and Taipei.
Earlier in the month she lost in the Round of 64 at the BNP Paribas Open to Jelena Ostapenko, going down 4-6, 6-3, 1-6.
Elsewhere, Australian No. 1 Ashleigh Barty has become the latest player to confirm her entry at this year’s Nottingham Open.
The World No.20, who was a quarter-finalist in Nottingham last year, joins British No.1 Johanna Konta and 2017 winner Donna Vekic in committing to the tournament which runs from 9 to 17 June.
The 21-year-old Australian, who returns to Nottingham for a third successive year, said: “I’m excited to start my grass season in Nottingham again this year.
“I feel very much at home on the UK grass courts and always enjoy playing this tournament.”
Nottingham Open Tournament Director Rebecca James said: "It’s wonderful that Ashleigh will be returning to Nottingham this year. As a former Junior Wimbledon Champion she has great skills on grass and is an exciting and talented player to watch. She adds strength to the WTA player field which just builds the anticipation even more as we get nearer to this year’s event."
