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)
Bartoli Training Drill - Horizontal Bungee
There is a fascinating section 4:50 into the 8 minute clip. It shows a younger Marion, training in an indoor gymnasium. 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 player I liked back in the day 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 any of his 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.
Marion played a lot of tennis last season and it told on her towards the end. If they can plan out a schedule that is less demanding ie jetlag etc , I am certain that she will take another title or more this coming season.
I am certain there will be more shock results in store for the top players, and honestly believe that there is no reason why a major is not within her reach. The Wimby final showed that.