Daniela Hantuchova will play Eastbourne with orders from her coach to stick to a cod and chips diet at the seaside resort.

Hantuchova's coach Nigel Sears confirmed the Slovakian, a semi finalist last year, is to return to Devonshire Park for the Hastings Direct International Ladies Championships from June 16-19.

But Sears is worried about her weight.

He said: "It is my No. 1 concern for her. I'd like her to put on some. She's in too light a condition.

"She is hitting the ball with as much power as ever but she's burning off more calories than she is putting on.

"When we get to Eastbourne I'd like her to get into plenty of cod and chips.

"You have to be careful with young players but I feel she doesn't eat enough.

"I don't want her to run out of gas. Her energy level matters."

Hantuchova will play doubles with American Jennifer Capriati, who is also playing singles at Eastbourne.

Sears said: "They played together at Wimbledon last year as a one off but they want to give it another try."

Hantuchova will practice on the Devonshire Park courts in the week prior to the tournament.

Should the weather cause problems, the world top ten player will move indoors to train at the Brighton Health and Raquets Club at Falmer, where Sears is based.

Hantuchova, 20 today, has reached six quarter finals and one semi final this year.

Sears said: "Daniela has been very solid but hopefully we can improve as we build up to Eastbourne."

She is playing for her country in the FED Cup in Germany this week before linking up again with Sears next Tuesday for the new tournament in Warsaw, in which Venus Williams plays.

Hantuchova's claycourt season will continue in Berlin and Rome before the French Open in Paris.

And Eastbourne is the stop after that.

Anna Kournakova and reigning champion Chanda Rubin have already confirmed their entries for Eastbourne.