THE PLAYER
So what did we think of Marion's Wimbedon attire, and how she looked in it?
Firstly, I must say that Marion looked in physically awesome condition. Fan friend 'K' said to me "this last year they where saying stuff about her weight, yet she looks great". JimM and I expressed similar sentiments.
People say what they like. But to me, and the smattering of commited tennis people I spoke to at Wimbledon, there was nothing but compliments for Marions condition.
Marion may have some residual injury issues, but in terms of cardiovascular performance, and muscle to height to weight ratio, she appeared in good condition to me. I didnt hear or see chronic breathlessness. She looked athletic. More than plausible. Marion had presence. None of her opponents had that presence.
Winners have presence.
However, One opponent did have something, That opponent was Bethanie Mattek. She didnt have presence. But she had personality, and kind of felt to me secure within her own ability not to allow herself to be overawed by a player that she lost to before on grass, and a player who was last years Championship runner up. Put simply, Mattek had nothing to lose. Mattek had balls. That's a dangerous kind of opponent to meet.
Ultimately Marion's breakdown, level pegging in the first set, was her undoing in that match. Her court presence evaporated under a sullen introverted face and threatening brooding skies. Some may say the 'presence' was only ever a masquerade in the first place, and that underneath lay insecurity. But when so many older people are mouthing off in the media, media-savvy people who should know better, then one can see just how ones sense of self could be undermined, just a little.
It's less than honorable to disrobe a princess at the point of succession to her throne. 2nd in line. The runners up crown. It's less than honorable to hit someone if they are down. It's less than honorable to sow seeds of doubt at a time of questioning. This is what some have been doing.
It's a testimony to Marion's resilience that she remains outwardly impervious to it all..Good for her! In time she will eclipse the shady voices with bright success, She'll get there.
Despite her viral and fatigue issues, Marion simply looked awesome.. up until 4-5 against Mattek.
A gypsy crusade cantoring from court to court.. Holding court, among the ghosts of kings, queens, and heros, past and present. Does gypsy crusade sounds like a contradiction? Then believe me, it's entirely intentional.
THE COSTUME
I thought it was a winner. It isnt easy to stand out when everyone else is wearing white also, but Marion managed to stand out. Bold, but not loud. Robed wonderfully so.
I'm no expert, but that kneckline looked kind of 1930's or 40's to me. As if the fashionable bathing costumes of yesteryear are reincarnated on 21st century tennis courts. There does seem to be a strong retro theme going on just now, for example the navy blue outfit Maria Sharapova wore at the French Open, and Roger Federer's own exclusive wardrobe.
Just thinking about it, these retro styles which hark beck to a more genteel era, also invoke a certain glamorous elitism that belongs to that era. As the wheels of fashion turn full circle, maybe we are seeing something of a backlash against the brassy bling-bling urban styles that Serena is known to sport - The big chavvy earrings and such. But I gladly admit, I wear that stuff myself.!
Queen Venus's own, 11, clothing, aspires to something a bit more classic.
It's my understanding Marion isnt sponsored by Nike. They just supply the kit.
Marions outfit evokes homespun memories for me, of freshly baked bread and mamas powdered bussom... .ok, I just made all of that up lol... BUT... One thing that is true is that Marion's white outfit with a bold plunging red 'V', and slender red trim looks a wee bit similar to the kit of the little Scottish football team I followed as a kid - Airdrie.
Airdrie are nicknamed The Diamonds, If Marion was decked out as a playing card, then judging by her outtfit, she'd be Queen Of Diamonds. Ahh, and that brings us back to James Bond again.... Diamonds Are Forever!
Marion likes football.. so excuse my little end of semester diversion.
So then, red (my favorite color hehe) and white for the site revamp over at www.marion-bartoli.net? Or something a little more Picasso...
Whent Flushing Meadows arrives Marion, give them Gernica.
Hm, is that last bit in bad taste?































(Photo AFP/Getty)