Birmingham Tennis Open hosts men for first time in 150 years

For 150 years, professional grass court tennis in Birmingham has been the preserve of women players.

But now, as this year's Lexus Birmingham Open gets under way, male players are for the first time serving alongside their female counterparts.

In contrast to accusations of sexism that overshadowed the scheduling of matches at the French Open, tournament directors in Birmingham say the move is a "powerful statement that celebrates male and female athletes equally".

Held at the Edgbaston Priory Club, it is the first tournament played on grass this season in the build-up to this year's Wimbledon championships.

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