Johanna Konta to play in three grass court warm-up tournaments ahead of Wimbledon 2018

Konta is looking to improve on last year’s run to the Wimbledon semi-finals

Johanna Konta will play three pre-Wimbledon tournaments (Getty)

British number one Johanna Konta has announced that she will play in three pre-Wimbledon tournaments as she looks to improve on last year’s run to the semi-finals of the tournament.

The world number 11 is set to compete in the Nottingham Open, Birmingham Classic and Eastbourne International in preparation for the third Grand Slam of the season.

Last year she was the runner-up in Nottingham, shortly before she went on to Wimbledon semi-finals, becoming the first British woman to reach the last four since Virginia Wade in 1979.

“I'm so excited to be returning to play these fantastic tournaments in the summer,” the 26-year-old said. “The grass-court season is one of my favourites and nothing compares to competing at home with passionate fans, friends and family who are behind you all the way.

“I know I'm incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd and especially in Eastbourne, where my family home is just a stone's throw away from Devonshire Park. It's such a special feeling.

“These tournaments also provide me with the perfect pathway to Wimbledon. Last year it proved to be the best preparation possible as I enjoyed my most successful Wimbledon ever, and hopefully it will have the same effect for 2018.

“As always I know there will be a really strong player field at Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne and I'll face some tough opponents in competitive matches, but I can't wait to get on court and fly the flag for British tennis.”

The British number one reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2017 (Getty)

Konta, who last month lost in the second round of the Australian Open, will next play in Great Britain’s Fed Cup tie against Estonia.