Aegon International: Laura Robson to make return after wrist injury

Laura Robson has not played since losing to Kirsten Flipkens in the 2014 Australian Open

Former British number one Laura Robson has announced she will return to competitive tennis after 17 months out of the sport with a wrist injury.

She will play at the Aegon International at Eastbourne, having taken a wildcard to enter the qualifying tournament this weekend.

"Tournament bound," Robson wrote on Twitter, adding: "Is this real life?"

Robson has not played since losing in the first round of the Australian Open in January 2014.

The 21-year-old will begin her qualifying campaign on Saturday, competing in a draw that also includes Daniela Hantuchova, Julia Goerges and Kirsten Flipkens.

"I am looking forward to making my return to the tour and I am excited to compete in front of the great Eastbourne fans again," Robson said.

Her return, which was confirmed by the Lawn Tennis Association, could pave the way for her to be included in the second set of wildcards for this year's Wimbledon.

Robson was ranked as high as 27 in the world before her injury troubles and twice reached a Grand Slam fourth round, including at Wimbledon in 2013.

British number one Andy Murray, who underwent back surgery in 2013, said: "There comes a time when you have to say 'I just need to get out there and play', just let everything go and see what happens. I hope she's OK.

"A lot of it is mental. I would imagine she will be very nervous going into the match. She won't know how her body is going to respond, or how much the game has moved on in that time.

"You may feel you're doing really well in practice but on the match court it's a very different thing."

Laura Robson posted this picture on Twitter of her en route to Eastbourne with her tennis bag