American Andy Roddick on Thursday accepted a wild card entry into next week’s pre-Wimbledon event at Eastbourne in the hope of whipping his grass game into shape.
The former number one made 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.