Petra Kvitova will again warm up for Wimbledon by competing at Eastbourne

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova says she will prepare for her title defence by participating at Eastbourne once again.

The World No 4 reached the last eight at Eastbourne last year, before producing some inspired displays in London on her way to her second grasscourt Grand Slam.

She has endured a somewhat difficult 2015 so far and took a six-week break due to exhaustion but has now returned to action and helped the Czech Republic reach the final of the Fed Cup.

The 25-year-old reached the final at Eastbourne in 2011 and has now confirmed she will be returning this summer.

She told the LTA website: "I'm really excited to be returning to the Aegon International Eastbourne this summer. It is a special tournament for me and one I always enjoy playing.

"The crowds there really know their tennis and the intimate site is a great place for the fans to get close to the action.

“From the first round, every match is tough, which makes it the perfect warm-up event in the week before Wimbledon."

Tournament director Gavin Fletcher said: "Petra is unquestionably one of the best grasscourt players in the world and I am delighted she will be lining up once again at the Aegon International Eastbourne this year.

"She is a double Grand Slam champion on grass and a former finalist at this tournament, so someone will have to play well to beat her. I am pleased the supporters will be able to watch such a great player in action."

The tournament takes place between 20-27 June.