THE PLAYER
So what did we think of Marion's Wimbedon attire, and how she looked in it?
People say what they like. But to me, and the smattering of commited tennis people I spoke to at Wimbledon, there was nothing but compliments for Marions condition.
Marion may have some residual injury issues, but in terms of cardiovascular performance, and muscle to height to weight ratio, she appeared in good condition to me. I didnt hear or see chronic breathlessness. She looked athletic and had presence. None of the opponents she played had that presence.
Winners have presence.
However, One opponent did have something, That opponent was Bethanie Mattek. She didnt have presence. But she had personality, and kind of felt to me secure within her own ability not to allow herself to be overawed by a player that she lost to before on grass, and a player who was last years Championship runner up. Put simply, Mattek had nothing to lose. Mattek had balls. That's a dangerous kind of opponent to meet.
Ultimately Marion's breakdown, level pegging in the first set, was her undoing in that match. Her court presence evaporated under a sullen introverted face and threatening brooding skies. Some may say the 'presence' was only ever a masquerade in the first place, and that underneath lay insecurity. But when so many older people are mouthing off in the media, media-savvy people who should know better, then one can see just how ones sense of self could be undermined, just a little.
It's less than honorable to disrobe a princess at the point of succession to her throne. It's less than honorable to hit someone if they are down. It's less than honorable to sow seeds of doubt at a time of transitory questioning. This is what some have been doing to that princess.
It's a testimony to Marion's resilience that she generally ignores all the nonsense said about her. Good for her!
Despite her viral and fatigue issues, Marion simply l looked awesome.. up until 4-5 against Mattek lol .
THE COSTUME
I thought it was a winner. It isnt easy to stand out when everyone else is wearing white also, but Marion managed to stand out. Bold, but not loud. Robed wonderfully so.
The kneckline looked kind of 1930's or 40's to me. As if the fashionable bathing costumes of yesteryear are reincarnated on 21st century tennis courts. There does seem to be a classic-retro theme going on just now, for example the navy blue outfit Maria Sharapova wore at the French Open, and Roger Federer's own exclusive wardrobe.
These retro styles which hark beck to a more genteel era, also invoke a certain glamorous elitism associated with that era. As the wheels of fashion turn full circle, maybe we are seeing something of a backlash against the brassy bling-bling urban styles that Serena is known to sport - The big chavvy earrings and such. Styles accused of dumming-down. But I gladly admit, I wear that stuff myself whenever I feel like it.
It's my understanding Marion isnt sponsored by Nike. They just supply the kit.
Marions outfit conjures homespun memories for me, of freshly baked bread and mamas powdered bussom....Ok, I just made all of that up... BUT... One thing that is true is that Marion's white outfit with a bold plunging red 'V', and slender red trim looks a wee bit similar to the kit of the little Scottish football team I followed as a kid - Airdrie.
edited (4)
27 Aug 2008
