Nadia Petrova - Profile

Nadia Petrova: Returned to top form last season

Petrova's superb 2012 saw her bounce back to prominence in the women's game after a couple of lean years on tour and she could be one of the dark horses to watch out for in Melbourne.

The Russian veteran's world ranking of 29 at the end of 2011 was the first time she'd finished a year outside the top 20 since 2002 and a below-par start to 2012 saw her slip to 35 in May.

However, by the end of the season Petrova had chalked up the 11th, 12th and 13th WTA titles of her career as she had clawed her way back towards the top 10, ending up at 12th in the world.

Two of the 30-year-old's triumphs came in her last four events of the year, overcoming Agnieszka Radwanska in the final in Tokyo before beating former world number one Caroline Wozniacki to claim glory in Sofia.

Petrova's Grand Slam record isn't too hot although she'll be aiming to reach a third Australian Open quarter-final having previously managed the feat in 2010 and 2006.