Also, I noticed Viking are the new sponsors here, Birmingham and Nottingham: LTA press release says:
The LTA has announced a new partnership with award-winning river and ocean cruise line, Viking, which will become the new title sponsor of the governing bodys summer grass court events in Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne in 2021.
The high-profile ATP and WTA events in June will now be known as the Viking Open Nottingham, Viking Classic Birmingham and Viking International Eastbourne.
Players already confirmed to appear at the events include Andy Murray (Nottingham), Johanna Konta (Nottingham and Birmingham), Venus Williams (Nottingham) and Coco Gauff (Birmingham), with wildcards and full Eastbourne entry lists to be announced shortly.
Known for its support of cultural institutions including the Royal Academy of Arts, Highclere Castle, the British Museum and the RHS, this is one of Vikings first major sports sponsorships. The partnership grants Viking both naming and extensive branding rights across the three tournaments, which return this year following last years cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the partnership, Viking will also sponsor Seniors Tennis and will offer free tennis lessons to over 50s and Viking guests through local tennis clubs. The one-year deal helps to create value and drive a return to British tennis.
Id hoped djoko might play Eastbourne again but it seems not- as well as Thiem and Medvedev in singles, according to darts ranking Djoko has a doubles wild card . Partner not known yet. He may take singles one as well?
Mallorca has a number of stars next week . Eastbourne has very few ie none really. Halle similarly had more than Queens. Could this be down to appearance fees and or tax?
Happier thoughts - with a Wimbledon wild card secured, will we see Liam, Jay and Jack all take wild cards into Eastbourne? Andy no doubt wont play but the other 3 probably should play it.