Names to watch include reigning Eastbourne champion Petra Kvitova, while America's Coco Gauff will also prove popular among tennis fans. Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur and world number four Jessica Pegula also feature on the south coast. Britain's Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart will also be on show as they both received wildcards to the tournament. Dart made the most of her chance today as she beat China's Zhang Shuai 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 on centre court this afternoon.
"That was a rollercoaster and I'm happy to close it out," said Dart. “I was not just playing my opponent, but playing myself at times. The conditions were really tough, the wind was going everywhere and it took a while to adapt to it."
Briton Jodie Burrage also progressed as she edged past American Lauren Davis 4-6 6-4 6-3. Defending Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina was due to compete but withdrew ahead of her first-round match with illness. Boulter faces Croatian lucky loser Petra Martic in their first-round match on Tuesday.
Here’s some cracking pictures from Getty Images at Devonshire Park...
13. Eastbourne Tennis - Monday
Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova returns to Belgium's Elise Mertens during their women's singles round of 32 tennis match Photo: GLYN KIRK
14. Eastbourne Tennis - Monday
Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova serves the ball to Belgium's Elise Mertens Photo: GLYN KIRK
15. Eastbourne Tennis - Monday
Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry eyes the ball as he returns it to US player Jeffrey John Wolf during their men's singles round of 32 tennis match Photo: GLYN KIRK
16. Eastbourne Tennis - Monday
A general view inside the court as Zhang Shuai of China plays against Harriet Dart of Great Britain in the Women's Singles First Round match Photo: Charlie Crowhurst