Bartoli to come back WTA play

FORMER Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli is to return to the WTA Tour after more than four years retired.

The Frenchwoman shocked the tennis world when she quit the sport in 2013, a little over a month after winning her maiden grand slam title at Wimbledon, saying her body could no longer keep up with the demands of the sport.

In July last year, she told a British television program that she was suffering from a virus and feared for her life.

The 33-year-old confirmed her return to the women’s tour in a video posted on her official Twitter account.

“I have something to tell you – I’m coming back this year on the professional tour,” she said.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge. I still have a lot of practice ahead of me, but I’m hoping to be ready for March and the Miami Open.

“I’m really looking forward to be on the court again in front of you, to feel your support, especially in Paris, in Roland Garros, in my home country, but also for the Fed Cup – and Wimbledon. I’m so looking forward to it.”

Bartoli, who reached a career-high world ranking of No.7 in 2012 and has won eight WTA singles titles, also finished runner-up at Wimbledon in 2007.