Daniela Hantuchova is the latest big name draw to confirm her place in the DFS Classic at Edgbaston next month.
Following the decision by last year's finalist, Jelena Jankovic, to return to the Priory Club, Hantuchova has announced that she will begin her Wimbledon preparations by playing at the DFS Classic starting on June 10 and at the Hastings Direct International Championships, at Eastbourne a week later.
The Slovakian player, who has become hugely popular since first playing in Great Britain back in 1999, won the doubles title at the DFS Classic last year and reached the final at Eastbourne two years ago.
Hantuchova said: "Grass is my favourite surface and I only have really nice memories of playing in front of my English fans, so I am really looking forward to being back there this year. I think it helps in the matches that they are always behind me and supporting me.
"You can prepare really well, the courts are in fantastic condition."
Hantuchova began 2006 impressively, reaching the semi-final in Auckland followed by her first appearance in three years in the fourth round of a Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
Tickets for the DFS Classic are on sale from the box office on 0870 909 3015.
* Tim Henman's former coach, David Felgate, has been axed as the Lawn Tennis Association's performance director.
The 42-year-old succeeded Patrice Hagelauer in 2003, when the Frenchman departed to become his home country's Davis Cup coach.
Felgate departs with immediate effect from the LTA, as do tennis operations director Rebecca Miskin and finance director Paul Keen.
The LTA announced the changes in the wake of change at the top, with Roger Draper announced in February as successor to John Crowther as chief executive.
Jeremy Bates, currently employed by the LTA as captain of Great Britain's Davis Cup team, is understood to be the man Draper will turn to on an interim basis to fill Felgate's former role.
