Jie Zheng and Kaia Kanepi, two of the world’s top ranked tennis players, will compete at the AEGON Classic, taking place at Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham from 8th-14th June.
Jie Zheng, currently ranked 16 in the world, was a surprise semi finalist at The Championships, Wimbledon last year, defeating top seed Ana Ivanovic.
The Chinese star also teamed up with Zi Yan to win a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.
Zheng has three Sony Ericsson WTA Tour titles to her name and will be hoping to add a fourth when she returns to Birmingham for the second time in her career.
Kaia Kanepi became the first Estonian to reach a Grand Slam quarter final when, in 2008, she reached the last eight at the French Open.
In 2009, Kanepi broke inside the world’s top 20 and now boasts a career high ranking of No.19. The 23 year old will be making her debut in Birmingham.
Patrick Hughesman, AEGON Classic Tournament Director, said: ”Both Jie Zheng and Kaia Kanepi are world class players and I am delighted that they will be competing at the AEGON Classic. The player field is looking very strong this year and I am looking forward to an excellent week of tennis.”