The sun came out and so did the stars for the first day of one of the most popular events on the South Coast.

Tennis at Eastbourne invariably attracts the crowds and this year heralded the return of some of the game's greats.

Despite announcing her retirement, Martina Navratilova returned to play and appeared on court yesterday with the likes of Mary Pierce and Anna Kournikova.

The Russian player drew an admiring crowd while she practised for her match yesterday afternoon.

The atmosphere matched the weather and the spectators who watched Molik and Webb on court one were treated to a fantastic game as both women twisted and turned to return some seemingly impossible shots.

Picnics were spread around the lawns with jugs of Pimms on hand to keep spectators cool.

Behind the scenes, staff worked hard to keep players and visitors up to date with match information.

Last year, more than 35,000 visitors flocked to the tournament and organisers were expecting a similar number this time, with some extra attractions.

One spectacle will be the varsity match between Cambridge and Oxford, first brought to Eastbourne in the Fifties.

Returning to watch the action will be former Lawn Tennis Association president and chairman of the tournament committee Sir Geoffrey Cass.

He said: "The return of the Varsity Match to Eastbourne makes me feel very nostalgic.

"In 1954, Oxford and Cambridge were invited by Eastbourne Borough Council to stage the Men's Varsity Match at Eastbourne.

"The centre court consisted of two courts then but without the benefit of the spectacular new stand."

Tennis week also means a boost in business for the town's many seafront and town centre hotels.

Chairman of the Eastbourne Hotels Association Ian Miller, who runs the Cromwell Private Hotel, Cavendish Place, said most hotels and guest houses in the town were full.

Schools as well as businesses are also involved, with teams of ball girls from Moira House School and Cavendish School taking part in the action.

Maria Sanchez, from South London, is a regular to the tournament, staying at a seafront hotel for the week with friend Serena Conway.

Mrs Sanchez said: "I take this week as a holiday from work. I like Eastbourne anyway and the big names are always good to watch."