Hewitt enters Eastbourne

London - Former Wimbledon champion and world number one Lleyton Hewitt has entered the Eastbourne tournament in preparation for this year's grasscourt grand slam.

On Thursday, organisers confirmed that the Australian, who won Wimbledon in 2002, will compete at the tournament on England's south coast.

Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is also confirmed for the event which is in its second year on the ATP Tour.

"I am excited to be playing in Eastbourne for the first time," world number 66 Hewitt, whose one title last year came on grass in Halle, told the Lawn Tennis Association website.

"I think it's great that there is now a men's tournament alongside the popular women's event and it's a great opportunity for me to prepare for Wimbledon."

The joint WTA and ATP tournament starts on June 12, eight days prior to the opening day of Wimbledon.