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#15 Marion Bartoli of France achieved a lifetime dream today, winning her first ever Grand Slam with a 6 – 1, 6 – 4 victory over #23 S. Lisicki of Germany. Lisicki was the odds on favorite, especially after her wins over both #1 Serena Williams and #4 A. Radwanska. I picked her to win as well, but the moment seemed to simply overwhelm her. It was her first appearance in a Grand Slam final and she seemed mentally and emotionally spent. Bartoli, often seen as a bit of an “odd duck” in the past was spectacular. She is actually a very thoughtful, bright (an IQ over 170!!) and engaging young woman who at the age of 28 has achieved the dream of a lifetime. Congratulations to her. Lisicki (age 23) is a wonderful grass court player and one cannot help but hope and feel she will get another opportunity. With her ranking sure to rise, perhaps next go round she will have an easier path to the final. Bartoli never dropped a set this year at Wimbledon, she also never faced a ranked opponent. She was coached by her father, a physician in France, for most of her career. She credits him with introducing her to the the game she loves with such a passion. By mutual decision last year, they decided it would be best for him to take a step back and she has a new coach and a new team around her. It has allowed her to blossom both personally and professionally. She plays with both a two handed backhand and a two handed forehand. Very unusual, I believe the first ever Wimbledon winner to do so. She modeled her game after the great Monica Seles, whose career was derailed by a delusional fan in Germany who stabbed her while sitting in the chair during a change over during a match with her great rival Steffi Graff. Seles was never the same again.
Anyhow, back to Bartoli and her wonderful victory. She seemed in utter shock and disbelief. She is sort of like the energizer bunny, always hopping around and swinging her racket. She seemed a good bit more composed this morning at Wimbledon. She literally swept the first set 6 – 1. The second set appeared to be a repeat performance, but late in the set, Lisicki seemed to find her game a bit, and broke Bartoli when she first served for the match at 5 – 2. Lisicki went on to hold her serve and at 5 – 4, Bartoli made sure there were no more mistakes. She won the set 6 – 4 and the coveted trophy was hers. Wonderful display of sportsmanship between these two ladies. They left the court with their arms around each other. How often does one see that?
So, in this Wimbledon unlike any other in recent memory, we have a surprise but well deserved champion in Marion Bartoli of France. Tomorrow, we will watch the two many expected to play for the men’s title, #1 Novak Djokovic and hometown favorite #2 Andy Murray. Should be a great one. (Personally, I am still missing Roger Federer. I know, I need to get over it!)
In men’s doubles the Bryan brothers (Mike and Bob) are well on their way to achieving history, up two sets to one after looking very shaky in the first set against the team of Dodig/Melo. They lost 6 – 3 in the first, but have regrouped and took the second set 6 – 3, and the third set 6 – 4. They are attempting to hold all four Grand Slam title in men’s doubles this year. It has never been done before. They are playing in the fourth set, currently tied 3-3. Back with update later…Mission Accomplished! Bryan brothers take fourth set 6 -4. They win 2013 Wimbledon men’s double title and make history!! Way to go Bryan brothers (and USA!)
