Marion Bartoli will face compatriot Virginie Razzano in round one of the 2012 Australian Open

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Marion Bartoli has looked to be in good form in the early stages of the 2012 season, and she has the ability to make an impression at this year’s Australian Open. The former Wimbledon runner-up is flying under the radar as far as her title challenge is concerned, but she’s a player who at this stage in her career could feature well into the late stages of next week.

After some impressive displays at the Hopman Cup, Bartoli headed to Sydney last week where she wasbeaten in straight sets by eventual tournament winner Victoria Azarenka. Although Bartoli could have done with the psychological boost of putting up more of a fight against one of this year’s biggest slam contenders, it may yet prove to be the case that a few extra days in Melbourne will have served her well.

Bartoli will take on Virginie Razzano on Tuesday in the first round here, in a match that she should win in straight sets. Razzano was once an established top twenty player, but currently she’s not done much to suggest that Bartoli should be concerned. If Razzano brings her A-game this could develop into a very interesting contest, but it still looks like Bartoli will breeze through.