Marion Bartoli And Tsonga To Play Hopman Cup

Written by: Staff on 17th July 2013

Marion Bartoli And Tsonga To Play Hopman Cup

epa03774835 Marion Bartoli of France celebrates her victory over Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium in their women's semi-final match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 04 July 2013. EPA/KERIM OKTEN |

Newly crowned Wimbledon winner Marion Bartoli and compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will headline the field for the Hopman Cup at the end of the year as France became the first team to commit to the eight-nation mixed competition in Perth, Western Australia.

Bartoli’s profile is suddenly world-class after her All England Club title triumph this month while ATP No. 8 Tsonga played the last edition at the new Perth Arena, winning all three of his group matches.

The four-time grand slam semi-finalist is coached by Australian Roger Rasheed. “I’m just really happy to go back and hope I will have some fun like last year,” he said in a statement. “It’s the best preparation because it’s the same court as the Australian Open. It’s always really hot there.”

Tsonga recalls last January’s edition in detail under the open roof of the new playing venue in the centre of the state capital. “Last year outside was 40 (Celsius) and inside it was just perfect to play tennis.”

Bartoli is also excited over the chance to get in some pre-Australian Open matches under true competitive conditions. The ties each consist of women’s and men’s singles followed by a mixed doubles rubber.

“It’s great to play with Jo, obviously. He’s an awesome player. We have known each other for so many years. I’m sure it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Bartoli. The 28-year-old is playing Perth for the second time after gaining the 2012 final with Richard Gasquet.

“I really had a blast when I played in Perth. I was really lucky to make the final for my first time and I really enjoyed my time on and off the court. It’s a great, fun competition to play and I’m so happy to be back.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: French tennis news, Hopman Cup 2013, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Marion Bartoli, Sports, Tennis News

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July 17, 2013 at 8:06 am

Marion Bartoli And Tsonga To Play Hopman Cup – http://t.co/ASOh4K7HkZ #tennis @hopmancup @tsonga7 @bartoli_marion @ESPNTennis