Former World No 1 Simona Halep has confirmed she will be competing in the Palermo Ladies Open next month as tennis starts to return. 

The two-time Grand Slam winner has not played competitively since March.

The 28 year-old announced the news in a video message, saying: “I'm very happy to announce I will be back in Palermo after ten years. Hope to have a great week over there.”

Palermo tournament director Oliviero Palma said: "Halep's participation is exceptional news, it had been decades since Palermo last hosted a former No 1. Our city is very devoted to world tennis, her presence is one of great interest for everybody."

The Palermo Ladies Open starts on August 3.