It all depends on Marion whether this is a good draw or not. I think all those players (baring Rogowska) have the ability to counter-punch Marion to death like people have in Melbourne before.
Marion will open up against Medina Garrigues, which is a tricky start imo. The seed in her section is Ekaterina Makarova, who is a very dangerous player on a good day.
Double mixte pour “Gilou“ et Marion.
Marion Bartoli et Gilles Simon se sont transformés chacun en sparring de luxe l’un pour l’autre ce samedi à Melbourne Park. De 11h à 12h sur le court 17, la 11e joueuse mondiale et le 16e au classement ATP se sont en effet entraînés de concert, “Gilou“ ne se privant pas, malgré une douleur au cou tenace, pour faire faire à la n°1 française quelques diagonales bien cadencées.
I was there in person for the match today and it was the best I've seen her hitting the ball in the last 4 years (in Melbourne). She looked confident and held it together at 5-2 in the first during the marathon game. AMG was hit off the court until 5-1 in the first and then Marion's level dropped a bit. The serve stats have a lot to do with some pretty gusty wind today but the ball toss is still a hot mess. She should be in good enough form to knock Dolonc on the head.
Did you watch video on Eurosport? She explains well that she could still be in between previous and new toss.
As she said, work always pays. Hope she can go far in this tournament.
i agree, she's benefited from the lower temeperatures. Thank goodness she didnt have to play on thursday because thats when its supposed to get hot again