Bartoli presented with Wimbledon: The Official History
The 2013 Ladies' Singles champion returned to the All England Club earlier this month for the opening of the grass courts, and left with a gift in tow. Wimbledon.com explains...
Marion Bartoli swung her way into the record books with an astonishing run to a maiden Wimbledon title last summer and much like she did on that historic day in July, the Frenchwoman now holds history in her own hands.
Bartoli, who retired soon after winning her first and only Grand Slam title, was presented with the new fourth edition of John Barrett’s Wimbledon - The Official History at the All England Club’s annual Opening of the Grass Courts for Members. Bartoli’s copy of the lavishly illustrated edition, which has been brought up-to-date with a new 32-page chapter, is one of two pre-publication copies – the other of which is destined for Andy Murray.
The updated edition, which is set for release in early June, sheds light on the facts and figures that made Bartoli’s triumph a remarkable one.
At 28, she set a new record by winning her first Grand Slam title at the 47thattempt, two more than Jana Novotna had played when she won at Wimbledon in 1998. She also became the first player, male or female, to win The Championships using two hands on both the forehand and backhand side.
Bartoli takes her place in Wimbledon folklore alongside fellow French winners Suzanne Lenglen and Amelie Mauresmo who also feature in the book, which profiles all the singles champions down the years.
Barrett’s in depth look at the official history of Wimbledon is essential reading for all tennis fans. The respected tennis broadcaster, journalist and author takes the reader on a tour of The Championships, from its humble beginnings in 1877 through to its position today as the one of the world’s largest annual sporting contests.
The revised edition of Wimbledon: The Official History will be available through the Wimbledon Shops and online at shop.wimbledon.com from early June.
