Amelie Mauresmo will make her Eastbourne debut at the third attempt.

The French world No. 4 has replaced Maria Sharapova in the main draw after the Russian withdrew.

Mauresmo has twice entered the Hastings Direct Championships at Devonshire Park, which start this weekend with the qualifiers, before pulling out.

Tournament director Gavin Fletcher said: "We are delighted that Amelie has decided to join us in Eastbourne this year and wish her the best of luck for her first attempt. It's a shame we've lost Maria but we look forward to welcoming her back in the future."

The 24-year-old, who won in Berlin and Rome this year, has been installed as top seed in a field featuring 18 of the world top 30.

Mauresmo will bring an impressive track record. She has reached the Australian Open final and made the last four of Wimbledon and the US Open.

Sharapova, who yesterday reached the quarter-final of the DFS Classic in Birmingham, confirmed her withdrawal last night.

The Russian, 17, feared infringing WTA rules which limit the number of tournaments players her age can enter each year.

Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova, a former top 10 player who has slipped to 50, is set to receive one of the three wild cards today.

Legend Martina Navratilova practised for the doubles at Devonshire Park yesterday.