Germany's Mona Barthel began 2012 in style winning in Hobart and with other promising results appeared set to become one of her nation's top players. However, things stalled somewhat for her, and she ended the year ranked 39 after reaching a career high of 31 in April.
Again this year Hobart proved kind, and while not repeating the victory, her effort to make the final was worthy of praise. Melbourne Park saw a first round departure, losing in three to Pervak, and we may well have dismissed Mona from our list of players to watch for the time being.
However, the work ethic of all the German WTA players is a credit to them, and in Paris, Mona combined this with her undenied talent to sweep aside her opposition, including world number six Sara Errani in a most impressive final performance.
Now back in the top 30 at a new personal high of 28, the promise of early 2012 is ready to be realised in a big way for Mona Barthel in 2013.
