Mirza agrees to Birmingham return

Indian star Sania Mirza has confirmed she will be playing at the DFS Classic in Birmingham from 9-15 June.

Mirza, 21, is ranked 32 in the world and has taken part in the tournament at the Edgbaston Priory Club for the past three years.

Tournament Director Marjory Howie said: “It’s a great boost to have Sania coming back to compete in Edgbaston as she’s been a crowd favourite.

“I’m sure Sania will help to make this DFS Classic one of the best we’ve had.”

Her best performance in the tournament was in 2006 when she reached the third round.

Mirza has also competed at Wimbledon for three consecutive years, recording two second round appearances in the process.

Her lone WTA Tour title came at her home town event in Hyderabad in 2005, where she defeated Alona Bondarenko in the final.