Roddick accepts wildcard

London - American Andy Roddick on Thursday accepted a wildcard entry into next week's pre-Wimbledon event at Eastbourne in the hope of whipping his grass game into shape.

The former number No 1 the decision a day after losing his opening match on grass to Frenchman Eduardo Roger-Vasselin at Queen's club.

Three-time Wimbledon finalist Roddick, ranked 32nd, has battled injuries over the past several seasons, his most recent being hamstring and ankle problems.

Roddick enters a modest ATP 250 field headed by Richard Gasquet of France.

"Players talk about the laid-back atmosphere at Eastbourne and I'm really looking forward to putting the finishing touches to my Wimbledon preparations on the grass courts down there," Roddick said in a statement.

Play at Devonshire park on the blustery English coast begins on Monday.