Jennifer Capriati will play Eastbourne. She confirmed her entry yesterday for the $583,000 Hastings Direct Ladies International Championships in Devonshire Park from June 16-22.

It will be the first time the former world No. 1 has played the event since her debut 13 years ago when she was sixth seed and lost to fellow American Gretchen Majers in the second round.

She said: "I'm glad to be coming back to Eastbourne. The fans have always been very supportive. It's a great tournament and is very well run. It will be an ideal tune up for Wimbledon."

Capriati, 27, refused to step in at the 11th hour last year when Eastbourne lost top seed Lindsay Davenport through injury.

Martina Hingis, now retired, was injured and the other players in the top seven, the Williams sisters, Kim Cljisters and Monica Seles, opted against playing the pre-Wimbledon event.

It left Jelena Dokic, the world No. 8, as favourite and the tournament demanded compensation from the WTA Tour for the absence of top players.

Tournament director Gavin Fletcher said: "We're delighted Jennifer will play our event this year. It is a major boost. She is a huge talent.

"We are mindful that we have to attract some big names."