ImagoThe Italian’s participation was announced at the draw ceremony at the Edgbaston Priory Club on Friday, which was attended by Jelena Jankovic, Daniela Hantuchova and Sorana Cirstea.
The top eight seeds receive a bye into the second round. British number one Elena Baltacha is seeded 15th and will play Kai-Chen Chang of Chinese Taipei in the first round.
Anne Keothavong is up against last year’s Wimbledon quarter-finalist Tamira Paszek, while Heather Watson faces Paula Ormaechea of Argentina. Laura Robson will play one of eight qualifiers, with qualifying beginning at 11am on Saturday 9 June.
The AEGON Classic is the first WTA Tour grass court tournament of the season.
“It’s my favourite surface,” said Hantuchova, who lost to Sabine Lisicki in last year’s final in Edgbaston.
“With the Olympics being played on grass (at Wimbledon) this year, it’s going to be a very exciting time of the year.”
