Former Davis Cup tennis ace Ross Hutchins says it’s brilliant the Aegon Surbiton Trophy is back on the tennis circuit.

The tournament, hosted by Surbiton Rackest & Fitness Club in Berrylands, started at the weekend with the qualifying rounds and runs throughout this week culminating with the men's singles final on Saturday and the ladies singles final on Sunday.

Wimbledon's Hutchins, now vice president of ATP player relations after retiring from the game last year, played the Trophy tournament as both a junior and senior during his 12-year professional career.

And the 30-year-old believes the grass court event is a key part of preparation for the Wimbledon Championships, which start later this month. 

“I’ve got brilliant memories of playing here and all the crowds know the history and values of this club. It’s brilliant to be back here," said Hutchins.

“It’s hugely valuable because as a lead up to big events - and as an event in it’s own right - the standard of tennis is high and it’s appreciated by the crowds.

"It’s great that year in, year out back here in Surbiton, you can witness grass court tennis at its finest.

“The grass courts are pure quality, a very true bounce and there’s real positivity around the club. A very homely, traditional and very unique place."

Britain's Jamie Ward, ranked 106th in the world, is the leading home grown star in the main men's draw and is the number three seed.

The ladies draw features five top 100 players, including number one seed and world number 86 Denisa Allertova of the Czech Republic.