Heavy rain washed out Steffi Graf's comeback hopes yesterday. The former world number one, who has played only twice in the last 12 months because of injury, hopes to prove her fitness ahead of Wimbledon at this week's Edgbaston women's tournament. She will now play tomorrow.

The 28-year-old seven times Wimbledon champion last appeared at the Birmingham event 14 years ago, in the doubles.

"I spent last week practising in London, but now I want to play as many matches as I can before Wimbledon," Graf said.

Since her singles success at Wimbledon in 1996, Graf has struggled with knee, ankle and hamstring injuries.

Her last court appearance was at Indian Wells, California in March when she was forced to retire during the semi-finals.