Justin Henin-Hardenne today announced she will make her Eastbourne debut next month.

The former world No.1 will join defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the main draw for the Hastings Direct Championships at Devonshire Park from June 13 to 19.

Henin-Hardenne, who has won the Australian, French and US Opens, insisted she will use the event to prepare for Wimbledon which begins the following week.

The Belgian, 23 on June 1, said: "I am very excited to be playing Eastbourne.

"I have heard a lot of good things about the tournament from the other players and so decided to change my preparations for this year's Wimbledon.

"I have been told that the town is very pretty, the people are really friendly and that the tournament has a relaxing atmosphere.

"I am really looking forward to it."

The Belgian has battled back from a virus and knee injury to take a title hat-trick at Charleston, Warsaw and Berlin in the last month.

John Feaver, joint tournament director with Gavin Fletcher, said: "We are delighted that another world class player has signed up."

For ticket information line on 01323 412 000.