Keothavong to play Arvidsson
Swede up first in Birmingham…
Anne Keothavong has been drawn to play Swede Sofia Arvidsson in her first match at the grass court AEGON Classic in Birmingham which starts on Monday June 8.
Keothavong, world ranked No.48 on the eve of the $220,000 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event held at the Edgbaston Priory Club, is seeded 11th for the tournament, which begins four weeks of world class grass court tennis in the UK.
The Londoner has played world No.143 Arvidsson six times, with four of those meetings going the way of the Swede. However, they have met just once in the last three years and never before on grass.
“I’ve known Sofia a long time, since we were in juniors together, and though she’s been struggling for form lately I know what a dangerous player she is,” Keothavong said in her latest blog. “I’ll have to play well and I’ll need all the support I can get from the British fans.
“I’m probably biased but I think the British crowds are very knowledgeable and they definitely cheer for their own so I’m hoping they will be in good voice in Birmingham.”
The winner of the first round match goes on to play either India’s Sania Mirza or a qualifier.
Keothavong is also playing doubles in Birmingham and has received a wildcard into the 16-team draw with fellow Brit Sarah Borwell.
They take on Chinese Taipei’s Chan Yung-Jan and China’s Yan Zi in round one.