Some more images from Marion's participation at the 2008 French Open.

Tuesday evening's opening set against Dellacqua.

Wednesday, exit Marion.

Marion explaining herself to the press, in the capricious court of French public opinion. Here displaying what body-language experts call comfort gestures.

Earlier this week, Marion Bartoli Fan Blog exceeded 500 hits for the first time - Recieving 512 visitors and in excess of 900 pageviews in one day.

Whether you visit regularly, occasionally, or are a first timer to the blog, thank you for stopping by and sharing in the progress of Marion Bartoli.

Let's hope further milestones occur under more triumphant circumstances.

Lastly, a few changes are to be made within the Marion Bartoli fan community. More on this soon.

In action against Casey Dellacqua yesterday.

Below, you will find direct quotes from Marion following yesterday's match.

On this occassion I feel it's better to just present what she said, uncluttered. Setting the record straight on what she did say, and did not say.

Journalists do a skillful job of framing and contextualising quotes. But sometimes they embellish the content of their articles, or use arresting headlines that risk misrepresenting the interviewee's intended meaning.

So...

Marion said yesterday,

THE MATCH AND THE WRIST
"It was a problem for me on my forehand. I had to use my wrist more. So I made many unforced errors, especially on the match point or balls I sent into the net directly.

So that was a bit of a difficulty for me. However I think I could have overcome that today

She [Dellacqua] hit harder than me and took more initiatives.

I managed to win the first set, but I wasnt good enough in the two others. I was making too many errors and double faults, and she was playing well"

PRIORITIES
"I'm just fed up. I'm going to turn off my mobile phone, turn off my TV set, forget about Roland Garros.

I'm going to try not think about it. Go far away, very far away. Why not take a short break, some holidays?

Since the beginning of this year i've been playing and I felt tired and I thought, this is probably psychological. But it's five months i've been feeling this, in this state, being very tired.

So i'll probably start practicing for this season on grass, but I first want to think about myself.

In tennis every year you start from scratch again. As from the 1st of January, you have to prove what you can do. You have to score points to defend your ranking at the end of the year.

I'm not trying to look back. What I did in the past is just what I did in the past. So i'm trying to look forward and improve week after week."

...even wore her nice outfit to yesterday dissapointment.. poor bambina.

Today there looks be a fast-moving sky of sunshine and showers above Roland Garros.

The good news is play is underway in the womens and mens draw. The bad news is that further rain is probable later in the day.

One of the rainy song allusions I posted during yesterdays interruption, belongs to an old song called It's Raining Again by Supertramp.

As I recall, there is a lyric in that song which could so easily apply to Marion..

'Cummon you little fighter
No need to get up tighter
Cummon you little fighter
And get back up again'

Marion was playing aggressively. We know Bartoli is a fighter. But we also 'see' her lately getting up-tighter at the end of sets sometimes.

Cummon Marion you little fighter, dont get tight, close out this set lady, and go on to win the match!

Allez Marion!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Marion and her opponent will resume their match on Lenglen court in around 10 minutes or so.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dellacqua breaks back 6-6

Set Tie Break:

Marion up 3/0. 3/2. 4/2. 4/3. 5/3. 5/4. *6/4 SP. 7/4. first set to Marion

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Down a break in 2nd *2-1 cd. Breaks back 2-2.
Broken 3-2 cd.
Had love 30 on cd serve, but cd held *4-2.
mb holds 4-3*
cd 5-3.
Double break. Dellaqua takes 2nd set 6-3.

3-0 down. Saved 3 bp, but lost another service game to go 0-4 down.

Marion retrieves a break 1-4.
Marion hold to 15, 2-4.
from love 30 down cd hold 2-5.
Marion saved one MP on her serve. But not the 2nd MP.

C. Dellacqua def. M. Bartoli 6-7(4) 6-3 6-2
1.42 mins

Marion out of French Open in First Round

edit.2 13:50 UK time

eh eh...... dum.. de.. dum...

As of 15:15 local time the grey veiled sky goddess is again relieving herself over the French capital. To the disdain of her captive audience. While the red clay gets the VIP treatment sheltered under huge skirts of turquoise tarpaulin,

The crowd themselves have no option other than huddle feebly under hoods, or cleave in lonely twosomes underneath flacidly-held umbrellas.

Whichever way you read the euphemisms, and however one may try to humour the boredom through barely concealed metaphors.. Fact is ladies and gentleman, plain and simple, yep... IT'S RAINING AGAIN!!! Oh what joy, another rainy song title!

Anyways..

No word on when play may resume. But Marion's match will follow the completion of the mens tie between Davydenko and Johanssen.

Davydenko leads 2 sets to Love. So it shouldnt be too long before Marion finally gets into action on Suzanne Lenglen court.... once play eventually resumes.

...I'm singing in the rain... dum de dum...

live scoreline updates;
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/index.html

* * * * * * * * * * * *

play resumed at 18:15 local time

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Casey Dellacqua v Marion Bartoli is now in progress. (19:00 local)

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Play suspended due to rain at 19:51 local, after 49 minutes play. Marion serving for the opening set at 6-5.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Play finished for today.

edit.7:
21:35 UK time
22:35 local time

Marion's match today was postponed due to rain. Further rain is on the cards for tommorrow.

Talking of cards, French tv showed Marion passing the time playing a game of cards with her father. She was said to be smiling and looking relaxed.

Allez Marion!

The French Open is underway, and most importantly as far as Marionettes are concerned, is the anticipation of Marion's 1st Round match tommorrow, against Aussie Casey Dellacqua.

The match is scheduled as the last of the day on Suzanne Lenglen court. It will mean Marion waiting around until her match is due. But the late slot should help ensure that the French Number 1 has the support of a large French crowd. The stadium should fill up nicely as the day progresses.

The 2008 French Open is a little special for myself too, as it marks a year since I became a fan of Marion Bartoli.

Looking back, I recall quite clearly my sense of curiosity and sympathy as I watched the televised coverage of Marion's 4th round exit to Jelena Jankovic.

Curiosity, because although I couldnt profess to be a tennis expert, I nevertheless hadnt ever seen anyone play the way that Marion did! Her approach to the game was so obviously unique, and charmingly idiosyncratic. Especially the two handed returns and unusual service motion. It was almost Alice In Wonderland tennis! Unorthodox, oh yes.. Yet it worked! She proved that.

Sympathy, because then as now Marion had to contend with injury, like a weakened animal facing inexorable defeat before the jaws of a half-interested predator. It all seemed sooooo unfair!

I watched a now familiar picture; the ever-cheery Jelena fixing her make-up and teasing the umpire with an ipod; while a trainer attends to a visibly expired Marion,

A year on I can easily summon to mind various soundbites of commentary from the match. Some critical of Marion. Some sympathetic. But from that point on it didnt matter what they or any other experts said about Miss. Bartoli. She was captivating.

It's funny how an outsider becomes an individualist. The exception to the rule becomes the exceptional. Something That surely resonates with everyone at some stage in their lifes. For me also. Not least because I dont exactly come from a stereotypical tennis-playing background, yet love the sport of tennis.

Marion Bartoli and Dr. Walter Bartoli are emblems for every unfancied soul trying to breakthrough from the margins against all odds. They do it their way. Vive le difference!

So Marion, good luck against Casey, and thank you for just being you!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

There are no further updates from camp Bartoli concerning the wrist. So Marion will be playing tommorrow.

She beat Dellacqua a few weeks ago. Same again please.

edit: 14:30

The draw for the French Open has been made. Marion will play Casey Dellacqua in the 1st Round.

Marion beat Casey Dellacqua on clay only a few weeks ago. Providing Marion is fit, she will be hopeful of winning this match and of advancing in the tournament.

However, concerning the wrist injury there is no further word as yet.

Yesterday Marion said,

"Now I am worried because I never felt any pain in my wrist. We absolutely need to find the cause of the pain less than a week before Roland Garros. We suppose it is a tense nerve because I cannot bend my fingers anymore. The draw for the tournament."

Casting our eye beyond concerns for Marion's participation, and beyond the opening round - Marion's section of the draw features among others, double slam winner and 2006 French Open champ Amelie Mauresmo. Hunting her debut grand slam world number 3 Jelena Jankovic, and Marion's Wimbledon nemesis Venus Williams.

Lastly, the old cliche rings true.. One round at a time.. The only match that matters is the next one.

www.rolandgarros.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It seems to be Tendinitis. Marion will rest and attempt to train on Sunday, (the day before her match).

Merci, Iceland.

21:25

A pensive Marion in advance of yesterdays retiral.

Here is what Marion says about the injury concern.

"I was hoping it would get better during the match but it didnt, and eventually it was hurting to hold onto the racquet. It was hard to tell exactly what was wrong today but we'll probably have some tests on it this week. I'm hopeful of still playing Roland Garros next week"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Those who question Marion's competitive veracity ought to visit www.tennispalace2.proboards99.com and examine yesterdays first set in detail. They will find that regardless of the 6-1 scoreline, almost every game was very hard fought, containing multiple deuces, break points, and game points.

Lazy-minded theory isnt helpful or credible.

As the webmaster of www.marion-bartoli.net writes, "she continued bravely, as she usually does."

According to the Press Association, Marion Bartoli,

'retired due to a right wrist injury.. She appeared to have trouble getting into a rhythm from the start of the match'

Marion 'did not indicate if the injury will prevent her from participating at this years French Open.'

INTERNATIONAUX STRASBOURG > STRASBOURG > CLAY > TIER 3 > 2ND ROUND

Marion retired from her match with Shuai Peng, ending her involvement in this weeks tournament in Strasbourg.

Details are sketchy at the moment, but the first set was peppered with interruption.

For the record, Marion was down 6-1 from the opening set. Peng has pedigree in Strasbourg, but so does Marion.. And on the basis of their previous three meetings that scoreline is quite uncharacteristic. But that's pretty irrelevant tonight anyway.

I am unaware at this stage whether this retirement was as a reaction to an injury sustained during the match, or as a precautionary measure.

In the run up to next week's French Open, erring on the side of caution regarding injuries is an important priority for all the big tour players. - Ranked 9 in the world and defending 4th round points, Marion is a big player.

From a fans point of view, I had mixed feelings about Marion's participation at Strasbourg. After several days waiting, it is Wednesday evening before she finally got underway. If Marion had went deep in the tournament as expected, then she would have been playing every day prior to the French Open.

Players that do well at a tournament one week, frequently lose early if they play a tournament the following week. It is pretty common to see last weeks champion become the following weeks 1st round loser.

It seems that every other tournament Marion has had recourse to call on the assistance of the courtside trainer.

However It's encouraging to see that Marion has been able to overcome any difficulties and present herself fit for competition at the following tournament.

As always, i'm sure all Marion fans will share a hope that whatever happened today is minor, and send our very best wishes to her, that she'll be ready for the French Open.

edit 21:25 052108

Marion will be playing Shaui Peng.

Peng lost to Olaru in January, but today on clay she succeeded in reversing that outcome in straight sets.

In addition, it should be noted that Peng reached the final in Strasbourg in 2006 (losing to Nicole Vaidosova).

So this is a really tricky 2nd round draw for Marion. Let's hope she's up for it.

Marionate.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

In the latest rankings, Marion has risen two places to 9th in the world. Equalling her highest ever ranking.

Back again on home soil, Marion is top seed at this week's Internationaux De Strasbourg. She has a 1st Round bye and will play the winner of the Shaui Peng v Rolaca Olaru match.

Following a creditable semi final finish in 2007, Marion will be looking to at least retain last years points, setting her up for the French Open in a positive frame of mind.

Amelie Mauresmo is absent from this years tournament in Strasbourg. However, compatriots Nathalie Dechy and Virginie Razzano will be present.

Comeback kid Jelena Dokic has been given a wildcard. The former world #4 and Wimbledon semi finalist earned the wildcard by winning two ITF tournaments back to back. She is now ranked around 400, and rising. Her presence adds to what should be an intriguing week.

Continuing the theme of blasts from the past.. take a look at the flashback over at www.marion-bartoli.net

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As anticipated, Marion's participation at Birmingham and Eastbourne next month is now confirmed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A few more pics from last week in Rome

Grrrrrrr...... the tenacious two-handed terrier!

I think that's what we call a perfunctory handshake... Eek look at the space!

The previous outfit was black and white, Corsican colours perhaps? This one blue and white... sky, sea, and firmanent? Nope.. I wont explain!

Photos AFP/Getty

One break was enough to seal the first set for Marion. Schnyder unable to earn even a single break point.

Marion was broken early in the 2nd set on her 5th break point, to go 0-2 down. Then fought back to lead 3-2. Relinquished her lead for 3-4. Both players held their next service games, allowing Schnyder to serve out for 6-4. Tying the match at one set all.

In the deciding set OH was a break point away from an almost unasailable 4-0 lead, and had a bp opportunity to go 5-1, but Schnyder held on just, for 4-2 to Marion.

Schnyder then won 4 games in a row to go 5-4 up and serve for the match.

Marion broke back 5-5..

And so the penduluum swung back and forth, with neither player able to capitalise on the sporadic bursts of momentum each player enjoyed throughout the course of the match.

There was only one way to separate the World #11 and #12 players.. a deciding set tie break.

From 1/3 and 2/4 down in the tie break, Marion fought back and had match point 7-6 up... But she didnt take it.

Just 3 more points for Patty Schnyder ended the match 7-9 in the tie break.

They say you make your own luck, but Marion is due a rub of the green is she not.

For the third clay tournament running Marion has lost by a whisker to a fellow top 20 player.

Some invoke that appalling word 'choke', but I prefer to look at the positives. She is trying very hard. It's important to recognise this. She has shown appreciable improvement as the clay season has progressed. Remember... this Is Marion playing clay..

Important as these tournaments are, I agree with a point made by JimM that they are essentially rehearsals for the French Open.

STRASBOURG
Strasbourg is Marion's next stop. She is the #1 seed. Let's hope she does as well there as last year.

INTERNATIONALI D'ITALIA > ROME > CLAY > TIER 1 > 2ND ROUND >

On a day when the action in Rome was somewhat eclipsed by the news of Justine Henin's retirement from tennis, Marion dilligently went about her business with a straight sets win over compatriot Virginie Razzano.

Unfortunately details of the match are sketchy.

I understand Marion had an early break, serving at 2-1 up, but was soon reigned back with Razzano leading 3-2 in the opening set.

It was clearly a tightly contested match, with a smattering of double faults on Marion's part (8).

However, two breaks in each set was sufficient for Marion to seal a good victory on clay.

Marion plays Patty Schnyder in the next round later today.

Scorch the clay! Torch the field! Make Way For BartALLEZ!!

A powerful and determined Marion from yesterday.

thanks to Jim for this pic

Play suspended play for much of the day in Rome.

The 2nd round resumes tommorrow. Marion's match is scheduled third on court 1. Play starts 11am local time.

MORE PICS

In lieu of any tennis action today.. Lets have some pics again!

More of Marion's activities at last weeks German Open.

Another pic from the Sony Ericsson All Access Hour.

Marion looking every bit the artists muse. With her nonchalant browline, dreamy stare, and discreet beauty.

One of the loveliest court outfits Marion has worn I think. Understated and effective. In an image conscious age Marion is a breath of fresh country air..

(I extend appreciation to SK for these photos)

Internationali BNL D'Italia - Rome

Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano celebrated her 25th birthday today with a fine 2 and 1 victory over Julia Vakulenko at the Tier 1 clay tournament - the Internationali BNL D'Italia.

Razzano's reward is a 2nd round tie against Marion.

Proceedings at their last meeting in September resulted in a successful outcome for Marion. http://marionbartoli.blog.co.uk/2008/02/09/m_bartoli_def_v_razzano_6_1_7_5~3701286

However no room for editorial hubris this time, because the small print would reveal that the only other meeting between the two was on clay way back in 1999.. A tie which Razzano won.

Close your eyes Marionettes and make a wish!

Good luck Marion! Blow the candles out on the birthday girl!

GERMAN OPEN > BERLIN > CLAY > TIER 1 > 3RD ROUND

In was a day of upsets in Berlin, with Marion, Justine Henin, Svetlana Kuznetsova, forming a trio of seeds who fell to lower ranking opposition.

It must feel such a frustrating outcome for Marion today - So close to taking the match. Yet losing in straight sets.

1ST SET
Both players had early breaks, but after eight closely fought games Marion was serving for the set at 5-2.

At this stage there was an unspecified delay in proceedings. According to Hungarian media reports, Agnes said that she changed her gameplan following an injury time out for her opponent Marion Bartoli.

Without knowing details of why Marion had a time-out, at the minimum it seems to have had a detrimental effect on her rhythm. Because from 5-2 and set-point down Szavay staged a remarkable turnaround in her own fortunes to take the set 7-5.

2ND SET
Once again both players made early breaks. And once again towards the end of the set Marion led, 4-2. Yet, an Inexplicable repeat of grim fate cast all Marion's hard work as chaff in the wind. 7-5. Match over.

DETERMINATION & CONFIDENCE
The Bartoli double fault total seemed fairly high in view of her ascendant position for much of the match. Was Marion experienced Injury induced serving trouble? Or her movement impeded in some way? If I locate any details on what happened I will post them here.

Perplexing, and hard to swallow as this defeat is, Our hero can take some consolation in running another top 20 player so close. In particular a player of proven clay talent and recent success. Indeed This performance and result somewhat mirrors Marion's brave loss to Vera Zvonereva last month, reflecting well on her effort. Szavay may be ranked (slightly) lower than Marion, but she can hardly be considered inferior opposition.

Some fans point to Marion's inability to close-out sets as indicative of a lack of confidence at the moment.

Maybe's aye, Maybe's no. All I know is that she is showing a lot of fight and commitment to earn these positions of promise and opportunity in the first place. After all, this is clay. Not a lot is expected of Marion on this surface, even after last year.

There may be no popular expectation. But you can be sure for Marion and her coach, there is personal ambition. I feel her determination at the moment outweighs any confidence-deficit. We can be proud of her.

Some extra ranking points is the modest reward that Marion now has to show for her efforts this week.

Next week Marion is due to play in another Tier 1 clay tournament in Rome.

picit szomi.

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at the open access hour

in action yesterday

attending the players party earlier this week

lovely court and evening attire I must say

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Marion plays Hungarian rising star Agnes Szavay in the next round.

I have a dear Hungarian friend. On her account I would normally wish Agnes every success. But i'm afraid tommorrow my loyalties cant be divided!

Tudom érted kedves! Sorry!

Allez Marion!

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QATAR TELECOM BERLIN OPEN > BERLIN > CLAY > TIER 1 > ROUND 2

Great start to the Berlin Open for Marion.

After securing an early break to 30, Marion snuffed out her opponents challenge for the remainder of the set.

Marion took almost every point. Winning the opening set by breaking Safarova to 15.

The 2nd set marched to the same beat, Marion's serving adroit, her court presence imperious, even firing an ace on 2nd serve for 3-0!

Safarova was able to ameliorate her own serve somewhat, cut out the double faults, and finally got on the scoreboard with a Love hold for 3-1. She proceeded to hold her next two service games for 5-3.

However Safarova could only covet the concept of breaking the Bartoli serve today.

Marion closed out on serve. 6-0 6-3 - Game, set, and match, Miss. Bartoli.

This was one way traffic. The Bartoli Chariot on jet fuel.

Tommorrow lunchtime Marion will play Lucie Safarova, who defeated Virginie Razzano today.

Marion beat Safarova at the US Open last year.

Same again please!

The European leg of the clay court season commences this week for Marion at the Berlin Open.

Once again Marion has a Bye in the 1st Round. She will play either Virginie Razzano or Lucie Safarova in the 2nd Round. Both players Marion defeated in the past 12 months.

Cutting her teeth on unventured ground, it will be interesting to see how hard Marion bites on clay this year. Hopefully she will grasp the nettle of opportunity at this tier 1 clay event in Berlin.

This years Berlin Open features all the top players including Henin, Sharapova, Serena, and titleholder Ana Ivanovic.

For Marion, the Main Draw at Berlin is a new experience. She entered the qualifying tournament about 5 years ago but didnt reach the main draw.

Marion came into form last spring playing the European clay events. So as she embarks upon her busy schedule in the run up to the French Open, let's wish for similar success this year.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite readers to comment or message me whenever errors happen to occur in my blog posts.

It is in the nature of the thing that errors inevitably occur, and corrections need to be made. Your help in this is appreciated.

I am (very very very) amateur as you can see, but I want to do my best to present factual, correct, 100% supportive and non-speculative content on all things Marion Bartoli - Executed by the discursive free style of a blog.

I'd like to thank those within the tennis fan community such as Jorn and Aaress, for sharing news and ideas, offering encouragement, or commenting now and then.

It is always a learning experience for me. I'm constantly impressed and humbled by the quality of commentary and opinion by fans too numerous to mention, from the Marion Revolution, and from Alan at marion-bartoli.net, and from my personal tennis coach Jim!

Thanks to all.

PERSONAL BLOG
One or two people have asked a bit about me. So for those whom it may be of interest to (not many I should expect!) I have opened a personal blog - The content of which will be mainly fitness-diary oriented, with the occassional diversion here or there no doubt.

So feel free to read if you wish. But be aware, you find it tedious!!

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link removed