Britain's Johanna Konta named as Wimbledon wildcard

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British tennis player Johanna Konta
Image caption,

Johanna Konta has been awarded a wildcard for Wimbledon

Johanna Konta is one of eight British players awarded wildcards for the men's and women's singles at Wimbledon, which takes place from 25 June to 8 July.

The 21-year-old played as an Australian before switching nationality in May and becoming the British number six.

British number four Laura Robson is also included, with two women's and one men's singles spots to be announced.

In the men's event there are places for veterans Lleyton Hewitt, 31, of Australia and 34-year-old Tommy Haas.

Oliver Golding, who won the US Open boys' title in September, said that the chance to take up a place in the main draw of a Grand Slam was "a dream come true."

"It's an amazing opportunity hopefully I can grasp it," said the 18-year-old from London.

Media caption,

Interview - Tennis player Jamie Baker

British number three Heather Watson was given a wildcard but she has since been withdrawn from the list after securing automatic entry.

Watson benefits from the withdrawal of world number 16 Kaia Kanepi, a Wimbledon quarter-finalist in 2010, with a foot injury.

The 20-year-old from Guernsey joins Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha in the main draw by direct entry.

Keothavong and Baltacha have also gained direct entry in the doubles.

Liam Broady and Oliver Golding and Josh Goodall and James Ward have also been awarded doubles wildcards.

Men's singles wildcards

Jamie Baker (GB), David Goffin (Bel), Oliver Golding (GB), Josh Goodall (GB), Tommy Haas (Ger), Lleyton Hewitt (Aus), James Ward (GB), Grega Zemlja (Slo)

Women's singles wildcards:

Naomi Broady (GB), Johanna Konta (GB), Virginie Razzano (Fr), Laura Robson (GB), Yaroslava Shvedova (Kaz), Melanie Oudin (USA)

Men's doubles:

Jamie Delgado (GB) & Kenneth Skupski (GB)

Chris Guccione (Aus) & Lleyton Hewitt (Aus)

Liam Broady (GB) & Oliver Golding (GB)

Josh Goodall (GB) & James Ward (GB)

Women's doubles:

Elena Baltacha (GB) & Anne Keothavong (GB)

Naomi Broady (GB) & Johanna Konta (GB)

Tara Moore (GB) & Melanie South (GB)

Laura Robson (GB) & Heather Watson (GB)

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