Evans targeting memorable Midlands homecoming at Lexus Birmingham Open
Dan Evans hopes to cap a memorable Midlands homecoming when he makes his Lexus Birmingham Open debut next month.
The former British No.1, 34, will make his maiden appearance at the Edgbaston Priory Club event as men's tennis joins the initially women's-only competition for the very first time.
The new 'mini-Wimbledon' format will kick off a new-look summer grass court season and Birmingham ace Evans, the former world No.21, is targeting an emotional ATP triumph on home soil.
'This summer is going to be extra special for me as I will get the chance to play at my home grass court event in Birmingham for the first time,' said Evans, who played for Great Britain in a Davis Cup tie in Birmingham in 2016.
'It's great that the Lexus Birmingham Open is a mixed event, so the fans get a chance to see even more great tennis at one of the best venues in this country.
'I have enjoyed some of the best moments of my career on grass and I've won titles in Nottingham and Surbiton in the past, so I know I can deliver on that stage.
'Hopefully I can challenge for silverware and bring home the trophy for Birmingham.'
The Birmingham tournament has a rich history in women's tennis, with the event that staged at the club since 1982 and won by some of the greats of the game including Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova.
With the main draws starting on June 1, the Birmingham Open will be the first major event of the grass court summer, which also includes a brand new women's WTA 500 tournament at The Queen's Club in London.
Britain's Billie Jean King Cup team member Harriet Dart has also confirmed she will be playing in Birmingham, with tournament director Kirsty Thomson excited to oversee the starting point of what promises to be a thrilling summer of grass court tennis.
'It's great to have a combined women's and men's event in Birmingham for the first time and we are excited to give the grass court season a fitting start,' she said.
'Birmingham's Edgbaston Priory Club has an incredible history for showcasing world-class tennis and this will continue in June.
'British stars Dan Evans and Harriet Dart have confirmed they are playing and we are looking forward to welcoming more top class players to the Lexus Birmingham Open.'
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