Devonshire Park has held the tournament for 37 years

The Lawn Tennis Association have confirmed that Eastbourne's Devonshire Park will continue to host the Aegon International until 2013.

The Sussex venue has hosted the event since 1974.

LTA chief executive Roger Draper told BBC Sussex: "We have got one of the best grass court venues in the world here in Eastbourne.

"The fans really embrace the tennis, the local community get involved and the players respond to it."

He added: "The most important people in any sporting event are players and fans. If they're happy it's a good mix.

"We're delighted to be announcing this partnership through to 2013.

"It's good for British tennis as well because it gives us the opportunity to make sure British players come out here in front of British fans on the world stage and compete at the highest level."

The event began as a WTA-only tournament, but since 2009 it has hosted a joint ATP and WTA event.

"We've had a good track record with the women here. We brought the ATP competition here a couple of years ago and we're building on that," Draper said.

"We've got a couple of things up our sleeve to keep the fans happy."

This year's tournament will take place from 11-18 June.

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