PERTH, July 17 — Newly-crowned Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli will team with the popular Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for France to open their 2014 season at the Hopman Cup in Perth.

Bartoli blitzed the field at the All England Club to win her first Grand Slam title and will be making her second appearance at the mixed team tournament from December 29-January 4.

“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, ranked seven in the world.

Tsonga, the world No. 8 and a four-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, said he favoured Perth to start his season as it was similar to the courts at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year.

“It’s the best preparation because it’s the same court as the Australian Open. It’s always really hot there,” he said. — AFP