Marion Bartoli to make shock return

Paris, December 20: Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has announced she will return to the WTA Tour in 2018.

France's Bartoli shocked the tennis world with an abrupt retirement in 2013, just six weeks on from beating Sabine Lisicki at SW19 to win the only Grand Slam title of her career.

In October the 33-year-old refuted reports she was poised to comeback, stating such a move would be "impossible".

But Bartoli posted a short statement and accompanying video on her Twitter page on Tuesday (December 19) to confirm a stunning U-turn.

"I am delighted to announce my comeback on the professional circuit of the WTA next year," she said.

"I am so looking forward to seeing you again during my matches and sharing some amazing emotions with you."

I am delighted to announce my comeback on the professional circuit of the @WTA next year
I am so looking forward to see you again during my matches and share some amazing emotions with you . @Eurosport_FR #marionisback pic.twitter.com/KVPUnwEqlp

— Marion bartoli (@bartoli_marion) December 19, 2017

Source: OPTA