Well it is the close season where players and fans alike gather their breath and reflect on the season that was.

Whilst browsing video sites lastnight for Marion stuff, I found this interesting video on Dailymotion from the summertime. It is a post-Wimbledon interview conducted with Marion and her father from French television. (In French)

http://www.dailymotion.com/search/marion+bartoli/video/x2hmiq_marion-bartoli-interview-stade2-rep_sport?from=rss

There is a fascinating section 4:50 into the 8 minute clip. It shows a possibly younger Marion, training in an indoor court. She is harnessed at the end of what looks like a giant elastic band. At one end is her dad acting as a counterweight. To which Marion is running in the opposite direction attempting to return a tennis ball with her racquet. It's like a tug-of-war contest. But instead of two opponents pulling the rope in opposite directions, Dr. Bartoli is trying to remain on the spot, while Marion fights to escape her fathers shadow, and strike the ball.

What the precise object of the technique is I cant say, perhaps the strengthening of torso and quadrascep muscles. Certainly Marion is beautifully powerful as a horse at the moment. Court lighting combined with flash bulbs to capture many a handsome photo of her muscular prowess this year. Like the brushed shining glory of a race horse in flight. She gallops down the baseline, mane in the wind, and cannons yellow balls low down over the fence. Until her adversary falls.

Marion gets stronger with age. Yet maintains a feminine mystique and gypsy-like allure for the discerning gent to covet. A beauty in every way.

As I watched Marion and her father, I reflected on whether any metaphors could be taken from this technique. About the bond, chemistry, and understanding that they share as player and coach, father and daughter. The clip certainly shows a little of that handmade Bartoli craft at work.

A favorite player of mine was Goran Ivanisevic. You never knew what to expect from Goran. In her own way, Marion has that unpredictable and gutsy spirit. Yet entirely without pomp, hubris, or egotism. Just genuine, down to earth, game-on candour. No misplaced sense of ranking position, or pre-tournament entitlement. No vanity or diva melodrama. Just Bartoli. Marion Bartoli.

She works hard and deserves the success she earns. I'm sure many tennis fans, as myself, look forward to enjoying her individuality in the coming season, and for many a season to come.

Way To Go Marion!!

EDITED

Marion and Madrid champion Justine Henin.

Most of the other girls are playing safe wearing LBD (little black dress!), but I prefer Marion's choice of outfit.

Oh and those Supermarion muscles are very cool!

Marion's match with Jankovic has just ended prematurely, with Marion's opponent retiring, complaining of viral unwellness.

Marion took the first set 6-1, and the opening game of the 2nd set went with serve 1-0 Marion. It was at this stage Jankovic through in the towel. She had already had a medical time-out in the first set.

Like Marion, Jelena Jankovic is a players who has played a lot of tennis this season. So tiredness may have been a factor.

This isnt the way that any player wants to win a match. But a win is a win. One that is worth a lot of ranking points.

More Later..

Sony Ericcson Championships (Madrid Masters)

Serena Williams picked up an injury during her match with Ana Chakvetadze, and was forced to retire from the tournament. THIS MEANS MARION ENTERS THE TOURNAMENT HooRaaY ! !

Events moved fast. And I am a little slow off the mark.. Marion has already played her first match lastnight, against world number 1. Justine Henin

Unfortunately Henin exacted revenge on Marion in return for the semi final defeat at Wimbledon. Marion was bageled... 6-0, 6-0.

Marion was indeed commentating for Eurosport, when suddenly she called to play in the tournament.

Although a professional player should always maintain a state of competition readiness, playing Henin demands another level of readiness unto itself.

Next Marion plays world #3 Jelena Jancovic. Irony upon irony, another player that Marion beat at Wimbledon this year.

The tournament works by qualification from groups. The harsh defeat to Henin means it will be hard for Marion to qualify for the next round if at all. Nevertheless it is a fitting end to great season for her.

Allez Marion!

So the Masters got underway yesterday, with predictable wins for Henin over Chakky, and, Sharapova over Hantu. The real battle was the Kuzzy v Ivanovic match. With Ivanovic coming through in 3.

Kuznetsova is a good player when she's on. However I think her game has been patchy this year. A ranking of world #2 flatters her imo. I feel Bartoli would beat her But hey, that'll just need to wait till next year.

It's unfortunate that Marion got injured in the Zurich semi, otherwise she would probably be there instead of Hantuchova. I think the Masters would be a better tournament if Marion hadnt missed out by just one place.

Anyways, that's 'what if's'. If I hear anything or find any pics, about Marion IN Madrid, i'll blog it. Heard she was maybe doing some co-commentary for Eurosport. But dont know for sure.

Oh there's more pics from Linz, I should put them up.. Just as a blogwarmer in the close season lol, cos it's bit quiet till things pick up in the new year in preparation for the Aussie Open.

Marion deserves her rest. She plays more tennis than any player in the top 100. Great season. What a star!