Hingis set to play in Liverpool

Hingis will play in England for the first time since Wimbledon

Former world number one Martina Hingis is to play at the Liverpool International tennis tournament at Calderstones Park in June.

The Swiss star, 27, retired from tennis in 2007 after testing positive for cocaine and receiving a two-year ban.

Her last competitive match was a defeat by Shuai Peng in Beijing in September.

Hingis - a five-time Grand Slam winner - is able to play in Liverpool as the Wimbledon warm-up event is invitational and not part of the WTA Tour.

"I have heard a lot about Liverpool over the years and all the fine work they have done up there to develop tennis in a region that is mostly famous for football," said Hingis.

"I am very much looking forward to playing the event and to visit all the things that have made Liverpool the European Capital of Culture."

Tournament director Anders Borg said: "It is a great boost for us to have Martina playing in Liverpool.

"She still has a lot to offer the world of tennis and we are just very pleased we can take advantage of that."

Two more Wimbledon legends - Goran Ivanisevic and Pat Cash - have also confirmed they will play in the event.

The tournament takes place from 10-15 June.