DUBAI TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS > DUBAI > TEIR 2 > 1ST ROUND

With her win/loss statistic for this season at 3 - 5, a casual observer could be forgiven for thinking that Marion is ambivalent about the relevance of it all. Preferring instead to try out more wonderful new things and curious arts on unsuspecting opponents.. Who blink for a moment.. Before punishing our hero.

The Wimbledon runner up position earned Marion a staggering 1300 points. She hasnt had to defend many points since Wimbledon, theoretically affording breathing space to work on her new service motion.

However, with Indian Wells coming up next, there are now points to defend, and points to prove.

Yes, it is great that Marion's game is never static. Yes, there ought to be more recognition for the results that she together with her father have achieved. The success reaped through what they have developed and innovated.

However, ranking points or not, defeats hurt. And from all accounts, defeats particularly displease Marion.

She is a highly competitive player. Conscientous to the point of being fastidious. Innocent rural Frechgirl on the one hand. Seasoned professional sportswoman on the other. Commited purity in pure commitment. Vexing in defeat. Rejoicing in victory.

Today was a pity. It has been a frugal season so far. But we look forward to the next tournament. A chance to make a mark, and lay the groundwork for the French Open and Wimbledon.

And remember.. No matter what anyone says, whether esteemed expert, casual observer, or simple discussion forum numpty, it doesnt matter. She Is Super Marion!

A sweet pic of a little boy and Marion at an autograph-signing in Dubai.

TODAYS MATCH

1ST SET
From 40-Love up In her opening service game, Marion was broken for 2-0.

With an uncharacteriscly high unforced error count, Marion quickly surrendered the set 6-1. In spite of the fact that Schiavone only had 39% of first serves in!

2ND SET
Apparently changing back to her old service motion, Marion immediately reversed her fortunes by breaking the Schiavone serve twice, and holding her own service games. Thus racing to a commanding 4-1 lead.

However, breaks and holds from Schiavone levelled the set at 4-4.

At the midway point of the 2nd set, Marion is seen consulting with her father who is also her coach.

The remainder of the set was hard fought by both players and continued with serve.

6-6, neither player able to break serve for the set. Thus a tie-break ensues.

Bravely from 4-2 down in the tie-break, Marion fights back to take it 7-5. Thus winning the set also, by the same scoreline.

3RD SET
With the match tied at 1 set all, early indicators were that the decider was destined to be just as hard fought as the 2nd set... But it wasnt to be.

Schiavone Broke Marion and held serve at the beggining of the final set to lead 2-0. However Marion broke back for 2-1.

Who can say what caused Marion to capitulate in only a further 15 minutes. But from a promising mid-match hiatus, the ulimate outcome was shown by the scoreline's cruel symmetry... 6-1 7-5 6-1

edit 22:35 02/27/08

This week Marion plays the Barclays Dubai tennis championships. For the second month running She has drawn Francesca Schiavone.

Officially a Tier 2 tournament, this event is really a Teir 1 in everything but ranking points.

With Justine Henin's entry, The field is equally as strong if not stronger than the previous weeks Qatar Open.

Maria Sharapova, who today defeated Vera Zvonereva to win the final of the Qatar Open, is a Dubai entrant. Yet even she isnt entitled to one of the four 1st round Bye's, but instead plays Hungarian rising star Agnes Szavay.

Bye's have been awarded to 2007 Dubai winner Justine Henin, Ana Ivanovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Jelena Jankovic.

Tommorrow is a great chance for Marion to quickly avenge last month's defeat to Schiavone.

I'm sure everyone who follows Marion closely wishes her great success.

Allez Marion!
www.dubaitennischampionships.com

According to L'Equipe, Marion had a brief but nasty bout of gastroentiritis that began on-board the flight to Qatar.

She is reported to have fainted en-route to the lavatory on the plane, and of having symptoms such as vommiting, fever, loss of appetite.

Unable to practice properly, Marion hardly had the ideal preparation for the Qatar tournament. Rendering Tuesday's 1st Round defeat to Caroline Wolniacki now somewhat more explicable.

It's hard to quantify the actual material impact Marion's frequent physical issues have had over the months. But at face value, it's fair to say that Injury and Illness have contributed to ongoing disruption of Marion's season, and impaired her form, results, and aspirations.

It had been hoped that a reduction in tournaments would lead to a reduction in her experiencing physical problems this season. - And if I can go as far to say this; That Marion Bartoli would seek to play the quality end of quality tournaments. In other words last 16, quarters, and semi's of, Teir 1 and Grand Slam tournaments. Paris apart, It's not been the greatest start to the season. But if 2008 mirrors the trajectory of 2007, then everythings on track..We shall just have to wait and see how things pan out as the season progresses.

I am well aware that there are many who think Marion's successes unlikely. These are the people who considered Bartoli an imposter when she reached the top 20... Nevermind the top 10.

To coin the John Lennon song... she is our Number 9 Dream... Magic in the air.. what more can I say.

With Magic Marion getting sick all the time.. ok, she has a doctor accompanying her on tour. But Maybe she needs a nurse too.

QATAR UPSETS
A week is a long time in tennis. Just over a week ago Marion beat Dominika Cibulkova in straight sets at the Gaz De France. But yesterday Cibulkova vanquished any dissapointment by defeating Venus Williams 6-3 6-3 at the Qatar Open.

Venus ironically the player Marion lost to in the Wimbledon final last year.

Cibulkova said,

"This is the best win of my career. Today I played my game and beat my favorite player. I admired her as a child"

According to the official tour site, Cibulkova say's number 9 is her lucky number. Maybe losing to the world #9 at the previous tournament, was a blessing in disguise.

The Qatar Open has thrown up a number of upsets. Sybille Bammer defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova. And earlier, Tamarine Tanasugarn defeated former world #1 and 2006 Wimbledon Champ, Amelie Mauresmo.

Tanasugarn followed this with defeat at the hands of Maria Sharapova 6-2 6-2 in a late night match yesterday.

Shahar Peer's challenge was extinguished by in-form Na Li.

"I havent managed to put together a string of victories for a while now, that's dissapointing" said Shahar, "But all in all, playing in Doha was a positive experience, and I believe I will be back here next year"

ZIPPY WITHDRAWS
Shahar's Israeli compatriot Tsipi Obziler is reported to have withdrawn from the weekend qualifiers for next weeks Tier 2 event in Dubai. Citing the denial of a visa to her coach as the reason.

Edit 21:46 022208

ok, maybe not.

But when I seen this...

I thought of this...

Shazza Peer going Chav?

I digress. I'm glad to say Marion's friend Shahar won her historymaking 1st round match.

Due to the withdrawal of Hantuchova, the draw was rearranged. So Shahar played a qualifier instead of Schiavone.

Speaking after the match about the court atmosphere Shahar said,

"There werent many spectators at the start of the match, although it began to fill up. The crowd didnt root for either of the players" (Jerusalem Post)

Personally I think an understated and non-partizan reception is probably for the best. No fanfare. No controversy. Just quietly groundbreaking. The first Israeli to play in an Arab country. Niceone.

SANIA MIRZA
Fortunately Sania didnt experience any further off-court melodrama. But the misery continued for her as she was forced to retire during her match with Govortsova due to cramp.

TP2
Tennis Palace is back up.
www.tennispalace2.proboards99.com

PS... Shahar's Jew-Shuz are very bling. I'd wear 'em.

Unfortunately Caroline Wozniacki blew away Marion like a sandstorm, sending our hero packing in less than an hour and a quarter.

1ST SET
Serving with clinical efficiency, Wozniacki was up a break at 4-2 before even losing a point on serve.

By the 7th game Marion began to show signs of coming round from her siesta. She earned a break-back point, but Wozniacki held on for 5-2 - The Bartoli hibernation continued unabated.

Wozniacki took 2nd set point on Marion's serve, to win the opening set 6-2.

2ND SET
Wozniacki opened the set.

Again Marion applied a little more pressure on the Wozniacki serve, but couldnt convert the break-point. Wozniacki held for 1-0.

In her most comfortable service game of the match so far, Marion held to 15 for 1-1.

Wozniacki replied in her next service game with her 4th ace and another hold to love. 2-1.

Wozniacki reached deuce in the next game. Advantage on Marion's 2nd serve, followed by a double fault, Marion is broken. Down 3-1, and in the red hot dangerzone. Wake up Marion!

No love service game for Wozniacki this time. Marion again failed to convert the break-point. One deuce, Wozniacki holds for 4-1.

Again Marion was unable to reply with a service hold. Broken to 30 for 5-1.

Maybe it was the familiar smell of burning rubber under Marion's feet that quickened her step, because from match point down, she broke Wolniacki for the first time in the match, for 5-2. She then held to 30 for 5-3...

But it was too late. For the 5th time in the match Wozniacki held to love, for 6-3. Game set and match.

EASY?
Reading posts on forums lastnight, I could see that some where already projecting ahead to a 'likely' quarter-final clash with Maria Sharapova...

Woooooh folks.. slow down.

Yeh, am personally confident of her chances, but isnt it naive to look too far ahead with our mercurial Marion. I'm sure Marion herself would advise against taking things for granted.

Too much introspection isnt good, for Marion, for anyone. However as a fan I sometimes fall foul of hubris too - Indulging those appalling culinary witticisms and Danish pastry puns! lol? or Sorry?

If ever the oldest sporting cliche rung true, it rings true in the case of Marion Bartoli.. 'take one match at a time..' 'there are no easy opponents..' and equally applicable 'can beat anyone on the day.'

With another week to aclimatise to the desert heat, let's hope Marion is more successful in next weeks Teir 2 event in Dubai.

Just dont sing me any Neil Diamond songs today.. or ever!

Marion today. I like her outfit anyway, pretty.

MARION'S STATS

Aces 0
Double faults 2

1st serve % 63%
1st serve points won 53%
2nd serve points won 50%
Break points saved 33%

1st return points won 25%
2nd return points won 38%
Break points won 33%
Total service points won 52%
Total return points won 29%
Thanks to Jim for stats and scores.

POST-MATCH COMMENTS
"I took a long time to adjust to the playing conditions here," Bartoli said. "I played at Paris Indoors, but could not adjust in Doha that quickly. I think she played really well today."

edit 21:00 02.20.08

Danish rising star Caroline Wozniacki has earned a 2nd Round tie against Marion by today defeating Yan Yung Chan in 3 sets.

This will be the first meeting between Marion and the 17 year old who has swiftly ascended the world rankings since turning pro at the tender age of 15.

Not so much a steady stream as a torrential flood of young hopefuls are climbing the rankings. Marion has played and defeated a few of them in recent months, such as Agnieska Radwanska, Tamira Paszek, and Olga Govortsova.

Wozniacki has already begun to make her mark, only falling in the 4th Round of the Aussie Open to eventual finalist Ana Ivanovic.

Marion will need to use her experience and stamp her authority early on in the match the way she likes, to see off yet another bright young thing.

Good Luck Marion!

Upraded to Tier 1 status, this weeks Qatar Open promises to be fascinating not only as a tennis spectacle, but also as an example how sport can be a means of bridging cultural barriers. Lofty sentiments!

SHAHAR PEER
Marion's best friend on the tour, top 20 player Shahar Peer, will become the first Israeli to play in an Arab country.

Speaking shortly after her arrival in Qatar, Shahar said,

"We were welcomed very nicely. I've enjoyed my time here so far. I'm happy that i've got a chance to see a special country which many Israeli's have never been to."

Recently Shahar completed her military service in the Israeli Army.

If the presence of an Israeli sportsperson competing in an Arab country can go even a tiny way to bridging the seemingly intractable Arab/Israeli conflict then that can only be a good thing.

Actually, Shahar is the proud owner of a very cool pair of Reebok tennis shoes with the Israeli flag on them (See below). Somehow I dont think she'll be wearing them at the Qatar Open lol..

It will be of interest to learn how the crowd recieve her during her 1st Round match against Francesca Shiavone. Let's hope, sportingly.

Fellow Israeli player Tzipora Obziler, will play the following week at the Tier 2 event in Dubai.

SANIA MIRZA
Another entrant to the Qatar Open who has been caught up in political controvery lately is India's Sania Mirza.

Belonging by birth to India's minority Muslim population, Sania has been The subject of seemingly endless inter-nicene struggles between Muslim religious leaders on the one hand, and the more liberal element to Indian media and society on the other.

In recent years Sania has been criticised and chided by Muslim leaders for such things as;

The (non) acceptability of normal tennis attire for a Muslim girl.

Playing with Shahar Peer as a doubles partner.

Befriending a transvestite entertainer!

The latest controversies to emerge in the past week or two are as follows;

Allegedly resting her feet in the proximity of the Indian flag during a match.

Allegedly filming an advertisment in the grounds of a mosque.

To a western audience this is trifling piffle bordering on the absurd. But of course for an Indian Muslim female, there are obvious if rather unfortunate cultural sensitivities attached.

Personally I sympathise with her situation. Sania has always shown herself to be a loyal and patriotic Indian. Yet for this player, ranked #27, to hold the hopes of a massively expectant country like India on her shoulders - Where intrusion is the reality and privacy non-existent. Hero one minute. Villan the next - In such an unrealistic, capricious, even schizophrenic atmosphere, one can entirely relate with her decision to now refrain from competitions on home soil, such as those in Bangalore and Kolkata.

These burdensome expectations have famously snagged Indian celebrities such as Aishwarya Rai, Shilpa Shetty, and Amitabh Bachan.

Sania Mirza has the dual responsibility of not only being an Indian citizen, but a Muslim.

With Qatar being a Muslim country, let's hope she is cheered on, and that her participation proceeds without further controversy.

JUSTINE HENIN
2007 Qatar Open titleholder wont be defending her tournament. She has other commitments, and played this week in her home country of Belguim at the Tier 2 Diamond Games in Antwerp.

In Justine's absense, last years Qatar and US Open runner-up Svetlana Kuznetsova, is top seed.

With the exception of Serena Williams and Henin, all the top 10 players are present in Qatar, including Australian Open Champion Maria Sharapova, runner up Ana Ivanovic, and Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams.

SUPER.. MARION BARTOLI
Now for the important bit, :-)

Marion is one of the eight seeds in the 64 player main draw. This means she has a 1st Round Bye. She will play the winner of the Caroline Wozniacki v Jan Yung Chan match.

Marion should play on either Tuesday or Wednesday

The dodgy back she had at the Paris semi final last weekend seems ok. The alteration to her service motion seems to be what gave rise to the back twinges. Her serve is faster - What's a 5'6" 'hamster' to do against the big birds?! - Marion and her dad have been working hard on stuff. Let's be proud of what's been achieved in the Bartoli story thus far.. More to follow... he.... he....

GOOD LUCK
marionbartoli.blog.co.uk extends best wishes to Shahar Peer and to Sania Mirza for this tournament. Let the tennis do the talking. :-)

Most of all..... ALLEZ MARION!!!!!

Nice to see Marion on this flyer. Top 10 now.. Cant ignore no more.

edit 12:17 021808

Lastnight I enjoyed reading entries from Marion's blog from Seoul in 2006. It can be found on the official wta tour site. The blog isnt like an ongoing weblog, just a week of posts.

It provides an interesting window into the routine of a professional tennis player. As well as the little thoughts, feelings, observations that occur day to day. Nice to read things in her own words.

I didnt know about Marion Bartoli back then.

I will read the remaining entries tonight. Good bedtime reading.

Marion sharing a laugh with Amelie Mauresmo at the Gaz De France press conference.

classy lassy

I like this photo. Her expression is ambiguous like Mona Lisa. The margins make the image personal. You are drawn in.

From next week Marion plays back to back tournaments in the Arab Gulf. Commencing with the tier 1, Qatar Open.

edit 1513 021508

GAZ DE FRANCE > PARIS > T2 > R4

1ST SET
Marion started positively by breaking Chakvetadze in the opening game.

Then in Marion's opening service game, from love 40 up, 2 double faults in succession conspired to take the game to deuce. Marion managed to close out the game with a hold, but these double faults were an indicator of what lay ahead.

Despite two further double faults, Marion broke Chakvetadze and held for 4-0. Whatever the reason for her service issues, Marion certainly had Chakky's game taped.

Chakvetadze got on the scoreboard by holding her next two service games. But Marion succesfully closed out the set 6-2.

2ND SET
Chakvetadze took an injury time out early in 2nd set, with a hip complaint.

Neither player held serve in the opening four games of the 2nd set.

At 2-2, the game that followed was arguably a turning point. After four break points for Marion, Chakvetadze finally took the game point to lead 3-2 on serve.

Up till the first set and a half, the telling statistic of this match had been Chakvetadze's high unforced error count. But when a break and a hold followed for Chakvetadze to go 5-2 up, the exponential curve in Marion's double fault count was beginning to take statistical precedence. What was wrong?

Was Marion having mobility trouble on her serve.. an injury perhaps?

Or was her performance being affected by an alteration in her service motion?

Who can say for sure. But at 5-2 in the 2nd set, Marion herself had an injury time-out. The physio treated her for a back problem. An area which has given Marion trouble in matches before.

Adding insult to injury, Chakky took the next game to win the set 6-2. The match now tied at one set all.

3RD SET
Chakvetadze opened with a hold.

Then Marion apparently left court for some reason.

In Marion's first service game of the final set, the double fault count rose to 11. But bravely our blighted hero battled to avoid being broken. She saved 3 break points, but could hold out no further.

A painful capitulation continued with Marion not winning a single game in the 2nd half of the match. Losing the 3rd set 6-0.

Whether plaintifly or in self-parody, Marion actually sat on the line judge's chair towards the end the match. When it was finally all over, Chakvetadze showed nursing concern towards Marion at the net.

MITIGATING FACTORS
Clearly Marion was in discomfort in this match. The scoreline is definately not a reflection of either Marion's form or ability. After all, Marion has played Chakvetadze only once, and on that occasion Marion was the winner. That was just last autumn, in a similar indoor hardcourt arena. So for a match and a half Marion has shown she has the beating of last years US Open semi finalist.

Marion's staccato playing schedule should be factored into this result. Until Thursday Marion had only played three matches in three months. Since Thursday she has played three matches in three days! It is obviously difficult for any athlete to prepare for that.

Despite the loss, this tournament has been characterised by positives for Marion. Never a favorite event for her in the past, this semi-final is her best result in the Gaz De France. Her performances against Cibulkova and Razzano are very encouraging, and indeed up until the injury time out, very positive against Chakvetadze.

As a concerned fan, It is unpleasant when one's favorite suffers through injury. However, I know that with the support on tour of her father Dr. Bartoli, she is in good hands. And I wish Marion a speedy resolution of any latent injury issues.

Well done on a good show this week Marion!

*very proud*

PS.... Ana Chakvetadze will play Agnes Szavay in the final. I have a good friend who's Hungarian, so a Bartoli v Szavay final would have been nice. But alas..

Sok sikert a nagy meccs Agnes!

GAZ DE FRANCE > PARIS > T2 > R8

Marion showed why she is French #1 by dismantling world number 26 and compatriot, Virginie Razzano. Marion is now the last home player left in the Paris tournament.

I can appreciate it must be a perennial dilemma for sportswriters to know how to compose an interesting narrative out of a bagel or 6-1 set. But let me make an effort..

1ST SET
Marion Bartoli 6. Virginie Razzano 1.

Done.

2ND SET
Ok, so if it's not a football score. lol. A Cricket score maybe?

Onward to the 2nd set.
Rattled Razzano made things more of a contest for the French spectators.

The first step for Razanno was to hold serve. She did so. However Marion showed her capacity to step up as necessary. Marion broke for 4-2.

As with yesterdays match against Cibulkova, the opposition immediately broke back and held serve for 4-4. Game on.

Razzano then broke Marion for 5-4 on a double fault. What audacity! How dare thee!

Marion broke back and held. Razzano then held to 15 to take the 2nd set into a tie-break.

The French fans now had a fine rivalry on their turf, with two of their honorable countrywomen battling it out to earn a place in the semi final.

For Razzano.. she had to win the tie break to keep the match alive. For Marion.. just keep pushing girl.

Marion immediately took a 2-0 lead. Razzano managed to bring it back to parity. But you get the feeling that Razzano is just trying to hold on, as again the pattern is repeated with Marion up 4-2.

Marion now turns the screw for 5-2. Razzano got it to 5-3. But two more points, and it's 7-5.

Game Set and Match. Miss. Bartoli. Sweet.

SEMI FINAL
Playing three days consecutively, It can only be helpful to Marion's physical condition and self confidence that she has won her matches in straight sets.

Marion will now meet world number 7 Anna Chakvetadze. They played a few months ago. Marion came out victorious.

STATS
Aces 0
Double faults 5

1st Serve 60%
1st serve points won 78%
2nd serve points won 52%
Break points saved 50%
1st return points won 42%
2nd return points won 60%
break points won 71%
Total service points won 68%
Total return points won 50%

Allez Marion!!

Edit 9:07

OPEN GAZ DE FRANCE > PARIS > T2 > R16 >

Yesterday Marion battled hard to win a tightly contested first set. Then accelerated away in the 2nd to seal a strong and assured performance and victory.

1ST SET
Dominika Cibulkova's opening service game lasted quarter of an hour. Setting the tone of this 1hr 7min set.

The set continued with serve until marion broke and took a 4-2 lead. However Cibulkova fought to break back for 4-4.

The set was settled with Marion breaking for 7-5.

2ND SET
Cibulkova took Marion to break point early in the 2nd set. But Marion responded with a love game and Cibulkova was soon toast in this match.

Ace-happy Marion's game, was now al'dente, Cibulkova had no response until earning a break-point at 4-0 down. But again Marion saved, as she successfully did on 10 out of 11 occassions in the match.

Cibulkova clutched crumbs of consolation, holding for 5-1.

Perhaps aware of her iminent fate, Cibulkova attempted a late revival.With Marion serving for the match, Cibulkova went up 15-40. But Marion snuffed out the final embers of Slovakian hope by holding her service game. Thus winning the 2nd set 6-1 in 37 minutes... And the match.

There are some suggestions that Marion employed a different service motion in this match, as she is known to do periodically.

In the final analysis the aim of this match wasnt tennis-finesse, but securing a win.

Yesterday lunchtime Marion satisfied her healthy appetite for victory.... Cibulkova became grilled Ciabatta!

All the seeds won yesterday. Marion now plays French compatriot Virginie Razzano, who defeated another French player Alize Cornet.

Pass the knife and fork merci.. Bon Appetite

STATS
Marions Stats

Aces 7
Double Faults 6
1st serve % 58%
1st serve points won 67%
2nd serve points won 61%
Break points saved 91%
1st return points won 28%
2nd return points won 61%
Break points won 40%
Total service points won 64%
Total return points won 48%
Total points won 55%

Allez Marion!!

Edit 8:38

Ok. Marion plays Thursday.

Play on the main court starts 12:00 midday localtime.

Marion's match with Cibulkova is the 3rd in Thursday's order of play.

Today Marion will play 18 year old Slovakian, Dominika Cibulkova in Paris.

Ranked #46 in the world, Cibulkova reached the next round by defeating France's Camille Pin. (Marion had a Bye)

This is the first meeting between Marion and Cibulkova.

In contrast to previous seasons, Marion hasnt played much competitive tennis recently. Just 3 matches in 3 months. Cibulkova on the other hand
has already played around 11 matches, winning 7.

Now that Marion is a top 10 player, she is entitled to 1st Round Bye's at various events.

Marion and her father have worked on reducing the number of events she intends playing this season.

Last season Marion played more events than any other player in the top 100.

The new strategy hopefully will benefit Marion. Reducing her risk of aquiring injury and sickness over the course of the season. Taking a more selective approach to which events she plays.

Some hold the opinion that a reduction in matches will benefit Marion for the aforementioned reasons.

Yet, other voices caution that it may not be as beneficial to Marion as is assumed, because it is argued that Marion likes to get a feel of how courts play in advance.

Besides, Marion by nature is highly competitive. She revels in the cut and thrust of competition. Completely wedded to a robust work ethic. The girl only stops for copious sleep and refueling, then back to work... well maybe some recreational painting...

But seriously, mindful of Marion's committed approach to tennis, mindful of her need to be active, participative, full-on, these tournament Bye's may actually be to her competitive DISadvantage.

It is typical of top 10 players to play less than so-called journeywomen Top 100 professionals.

Depending on how you calculate it Marion played around three times more events last year than world #1 Justine Henin. 35 or so for Marion, whilst Justine barely reached double figures The same applies to Williams sisters. These players are gloryhunters not bountyhunters. It's the slams they want, not the prize money.

The Grand Slam winners can rest like lions in the sun for most of the day, and go in for the kill later.

Marion is perhaps more of a work horse, a long distance jump racehorse. An enduring brave victor, or an mercurial unicorn that produces magical surprises. Strength and valor of a different order to that of the brutally efficient lions.

We shall watch with impassioned interest to see how the season unfolds.

Allez Marion! GO GET 'EM GIRL!!

Edit 13:07

1 - CHAKVETADZE, Anna (RUS) vs BYE
WC - DECHY, Nathalie (FRA) vs PENG, Shuai (CHN)
AZARENKA, Victoria (BLR) vs DANIILIDOU, Eleni (GRE)
QUALIFIER vs 6 - MAURESMO, Amelie (FRA)
3 - BARTOLI, Marion (FRA) vs BYE
WC - PIN, Camille (FRA) vs CIBULKOVA, Dominika (SVK)
CORNET, Alize (FRA) vs QUALIFIER
RAZZANO, Virginie (FRA) vs 8 - BONDARENKO, Alona (UKR)
5 - PETROVA, Nadia (RUS) vs BONDARENKO, Kateryna (UKR)
QUALIFIER vs KNAPP, Karin (ITA)
QUALIFIER vs MEDINA GARRIGUES, Anabel (ESP)
4 - DEMENTIEVA, Elena (RUS) vs BYE

7 - SZAVAY, Agnes (HUN) vs GOVORTSOVA, Olga (BLR)
TU, Meilen (USA) vs GARBIN, Tathiana (ITA)
SREBOTNIK, Katarina (SLO) vs LOIT, Emilie (FRA)
2 - HANTUCHOVA, Daniela (SVK) vs BYE

Thanks to JimM

Bartoli's back in business next week. Out of the Australian frying pan and into the Parisian fire for our hero!

The outcome of things against the tortuous Melbourne heat fell somewhat shy of what Marion would have hoped. But that's done. She moves on to the next event.

Always competitive in heart, Marion will seek to arrest her underwhelming start to the season rather more promptly than her inauspicious start to last season... wherupon it took until the spring before she began to show signs of the glittering summer that lay ahead.

The prospect of Marion playing in front of a home audience in Paris is intriguing. Will they respond with rousing partisan support? Or Gauline scorn and indifference?

I cant predict what the atmosphere will be like, in light of the Fed Cup fiasco. As a fan I just hope she will be cheered on by some, and win round the rest of the public on merit, at this tournament and beyond.

Whether appreciated or misunderstood, She is a special fighter. She has surprised many. She will do so again.

Good Luck Marion. Rise like a phoenix!

THE TOURNAMENT
1 CHAKVETADZE Anna 6 RUS
2 WILLIAMS Serena 7 USA
3 BARTOLI Marion 10 FRA
4 DEMENTIEVA Elena 11 RUS
5 PETROVA Nadia 14 RUS
6 MAURESMO Amélie 18 FRA
7 SZAVAY Agnes 20 HUN
8 BONDARENKO Alona 21 UKR
9 ZVONAREVA Vera 22 RUS
10 SREBOTNIK Katarina 27 SLO
11 RAZZANO Virginie 28 FRA
12 AZARENKA Victoria 30 BLR
13 VAKULENKO Julia 32 UKR
14 MEDINA GARRIGUES Anabel 34 ESP
15 GARBIN Tathiana 36 ITA
16 DANILIDOU Eleni 42 GRE
17 LOIT Emilie 43 FRA
18 BONDARENKO Kateryna 44 UKR
19 PENG Shuai 45 CHN
20 TU Meilen 47 USA
21 GOVORTSOVA Olga 48 BLR

Marion will play her first match on Monday or Tuesday.

Serena Williams yesterday withdrew from the tournament. She is replaced by Aussie Open semi finalist Daniela Hantuchova.

The remaining places are reserved for wild card invitees and preleminary qualifiers. There are over 20 players competing in the qualifying rounds, underway this weekend.

France's Alice Cornet has been moved from qualifier to wild card status, due to her commitments playing for France in this weekend's Fed Cup tie against China.

edit 02/03/08