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!
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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.
Good luck Marion!