French tennis starlet Marion Bartoli will lead a host of international players when she competes for the first time in the Moorilla Hobart International next January.

Currently ranked No.16 in the world, Bartoli is one of the highest profile players to compete at the event and will be hoping for an ideal preparation in Hobart before the 2011 Australian Open.

The former Wimbledon runner-up enjoyed a consistent season in 2010, including a third-round appearance at the Australian Open before falling to eventual semifinalist Zheng Jie of China. Bartoli also reached the fourth round of Wimbledon and third round of the French Open.

Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director Michael Roberts believed Bartoli would be extremely hard to beat in her first appearance at the event.

“Marion has been a solid performer in the top 20 for last four years and the former Wimbledon finalist is a welcome addition to the field.

“She is expected to be the top seed at the tournament and will certainly raise the calibre on show in Hobart next January.”

Known as one of only a handful of players who play holding the racquet with two hands on both sides, Bartoli has held a top 20 ranking since 2006 and reached her highest ranking of No.9 in late 2007. Many believe the key to her success is her ability to meet the ball earlier than any other female player, especially on the return of serve.

Bartoli will headline the Moorilla Hobart International along with former world No.1 Dinara Safina and Australia’s No.2 ranked female tennis player Jarmila Groth.

Moorilla Hobart International 2011 series packages and single sessions are on sale now, with ticket prices starting from $9.90.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.