After a disappointing French Open that saw her lose in the second round, Simona Halep looks to bounce back in Birmingham where the Romanian is top seeded. Halep’s nerves have hindered her in the past but she feels there is less to worry about now. “I don’t feel nervous I’m used to being top seeded” the Romanian said.

It is the first time that Halep has played this tournament, previously playing in the Netherlands at -s’Hertogenbosch. There is no doubt that the additional week in the grass season is something that is attractive to the players and this was something that she echoed – “It’s good to play this week and then to have a week off in Wimbledon to prepare”.

While Halep is number one seed, the strength of this year’s tournament will ensure it is no breeze for her with Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Eugenie Bouchard and defending champion Ana Ivanovic amongst the contenders.

Halep begins her campaign later in the week where she will play either Naomi Broady, who beat Ajla Tomljanovic in straight sets.