In her own words: Marion Bartoli

Over the Fortnight Bartoli has spoken of crowd support, taking naps before playing, her coaching situation and her father's influence. 

On being excited for the final

"A little bit, yeah. Why not? I mean, playing the Wimbledon final, I think that's quite a good match to be excited about."

On buying presents for her coach, Amelie Mauresmo

“It's her birthday, so I just went this morning into the shop and got her some presents. I didn't have the time yesterday night. I just have to come up with an idea and something for her birthday today. So it was a great moment also to share that also, having her birthday and me playing the final tomorrow. It's kind of a nice birthday present. Hopefully I will be able to win the trophy.”

On how she's improved

“God, I think I'm serving better. I think I'm doing everything just better. I think I'm able to hit the ball harder. I'm moving faster. I mean, I do just everything a bit better than what I was doing six years ago. I think if I would play myself now with my game six years ago compared with my game today I would probably be beating myself quite easily because I'm just doing everything better. If you compare the speed of my shots, the way I'm moving, I'm just doing everything better, honestly.”

On taking a nap before playing 

“Yeah, well, I felt I was just maybe a bit tired and I needed a quick nap just to recover from my early morning practice and everything I had to do to be ready to go on court. So it was just a quick nap of 15, 20 minutes, and go on court. But so far it's working extremely well, so I don't see why I should change that.”

On crowd support

“I had that back in 2007 when I was the underdog. I had really the crowd for me as well. It's part of the game. You just have to deal with that. At the end of the day when I was playing a great point, they were still clapping for me. It was just a matter of staying focused and be able to do the job.”

On what makes her tick

“Yeah, I have some weird motivations sometimes I can fight off, but somehow it's working. I can't tell you all of them, but sometimes it's a bit crazy. But it's a good way for me to somehow take the pressure off and just focus on something else.”

On Serena Williams

“Even if she has a big serve, normally my return of serve is my strength against any opponent in the world, even Serena Williams. So that's definitely a part of my game that is important.”

On feeling focused

“Well, that 2007 run probably helped me. I can see myself right in there. I remember playing against Jelena Jankovic lasting seven hours with six rain breaks.  Just one was probably piece of cake for me, to be honest with you.”

On her coaching situation

“No, my father is not here with me anymore. He was obviously very happy for my win.  He text me right after the match. But he will not be my coach anymore. I'm working so far with all the French Federation who's helping me a lot, and my hitting partner. So I don't feel lonely, to be honest with you. I have a huge team around me, which is great.  But so far, no, my dad is not going to coach me anymore.”

On future advice from her father

“Maybe on my dress, but not on the tennis side.”

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