The 24-year-old Serb, who is coached by Briton Nigel Sears, will return to Devonshire Park in June, the week before Wimbledon gets under way.

Ivanovic, currently ranked 15th, said: "Eastbourne is a charming tournament and it's one of the most competitive on the tour - the field there is always strong.

"I enjoy competing at Eastbourne for a number of reasons, one of them is the facilities. The grass is beautiful, and now that I have a British coach, I appreciate this tournament even more."

It will be Ivanovic's third appearance at the tournament but she has yet to progress past the second round.

The AEGON International takes place from June 18-23. France's Marion Bartoli is the defending women's champion, while Andreas Seppi won the men's event in 2011.