Ann Jones looking forward to seeing tennis stars take to court at Birmingham Classic
Eight-time Grand Slam winner Ann Jones is looking forward to seeing the stars of today when the Birmingham Classic returns to the Edgbaston Priory Club next month.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, defending Classic champion Petra Kvitova and five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova headline this year's tournament, which runs from June 16-24.
And Jones – winner of the women's singles at Wimbledon in 1969 – can't wait for the action to begin.
She said: “This is a great event for tennis and sport in the Midlands and I’m proud to see how far it has come over the last 37 years.
"To have some of the world’s best players here next month will hopefully help inspire the next generation of young female tennis players in the city and I’m looking forward to seeing the action.”
Jones, who won three singles Grand Slams among her total of eight during the 1960s, has a long association with the Classic, which is now in its 38th year.
She played an important role in getting it on to the international Women’s Tennis Association circuit and her contribution was recognised in 2012 following the £5 million refurbishment of the venue when the new Centre Court was named after her. Jones added: “At this event, we get the top stars coming again and again."
