Daniela Hantuchova today insisted she expects a warm welcome from fans on her return to Eastbourne.

The 2004 finalist yesterday entered the Hastings Direct International Championships at Devonshire Park from June 17 to 24.

The announcement came three weeks after her second split from Lewes coach Nigel Sears following their five on-off years together.

But Hantuchova is clearly confident of support in Sears' home county.

She said: "I only have really nice memories playing in front of my English fans so I am really looking forward to being back there this year.

"I think it helps in the matches that the crowd is always behind me and supporting me."

The former world No. 5 has been in good form as she looks to put behind her a shock opening round defeat against Venezuelan lucky loser Maria Vento-Kabchi at Eastbourne last year.

This year she has reached the semi-finals of Auckland and the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in three years at the Australian Open. She defeated the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, before losing to Maria Sharapova in Melbourne.

In February, she also collected her seventh career doubles title by winning in Doha with Ai Sugiyama.

She has reached the quarter finals of Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open and taken the mixed doubles title in all four Grand Slams.

The 23-year-old from Slovakia, who has also been ranked world No. 5 in doubles, believes Devonshire Park will provide an ideal warm-up to Wimbledon.

She said: "Grass is my favourite surface and you can prepare really well in Eastbourne. The courts are in fantastic condition. That is one of the keys as to why so many players choose to play the week before Wimbledon in Eastbourne.

"I don't think you can get a better practice anywhere else and the whole atmosphere is very relaxed."

Defending champion Kim Clijsters, the world No. 2 from Belgium, last week revealed she will defend her title.

Championships director Gavin Fletcher said: "This year's Hastings Direct International Championships is once again shaping up to be another fantastic tournament. It is great news to see Daniela Hantuchova back again this year in what promises to be an exciting week of women's tennis."

Hantuchova will also play the DFS Classic, which she won the doubles with Sugiyama last year, the week before.

Tickets information for the Hastings Direct International Championships is available from the box office 01323 412000.