Marion Bartoli Fan Blog - Editorial
Now that we know what Marion’s immediate plans are, let’s take a look back at what we have learned over the past couple of days.
Firstly, isn’t it great to hear that Marion is hitting with the guys, and playing full sets of tennis with them. We all know how competitive she is, so even practice sets will I am sure be taken seriously by Marion. It just adds to the pride we all feel as fans in our dear unique Marion.
Over the summer hardcourt season we noticed the extra power Marion was getting from her serve, demonstrated none more so than in her crushing victory over big-hitting Lindsay Davenport at the US Open. Being around Guy Forget will surely only enhance Marion's expertise, and playing tennis against him strengthen her in today’s might is right game. So it’s interesting that Dr. Bartoli has chosen to share this particular detail with the French public.
Perhaps there is a subtext in Walter’s words, keen to show that both he and Marion are not cutting themselves off from the rest of the world, and the rest of the French tennis world, as has been alleged (distorted). After all, the partner Marion has been hitting with has served in the captaincy role both with the Davis Cup and Fed Cup team in years past. He is part of the scene.
Forget is currently in London playing the Black Rock seniors tour. Hearing him on the radio a couple of months ago promoting it, he came across as an approachable and laid back guy. A nice non-pushy sort of guy. If this impression of Guy Forget is a fair one, and if as I understand Forget is one of the names up to replace Georges Goven for the job of Fed Cup captain, then perhaps a change of heart could on the horizon.
As previously revealed, Nathalie Tauziat is also a candidate for the Captains job, but I am hearing that one player (not Marion) isn’t supportive of Tauziat becoming captain.
Whichever individual gets the job, they will have to come to terms with the feelings previously expressed by the Bartoli’s.
Nevertheless, back in September Walter said, “I see a renewal around the French tennis circuit which may be interesting. It's going in the right direction because if we want progress, it is together that we can achieve.”
Who can say whether or not techical director Patrice Dominguez is sincerely holding out an olive branch today, setting the mood music, or just playing the same old tired record. But in this morning’s article he does make a hazy allusion to forthcoming change. Change offers possibilities. But that’s all if’s and but’s for now.
One thing I’d like to point out, contrary to what Dominguez say’s about not leaving anyone by the road side.. I have heard stories whispered in my ear, and seen the photo that does the rounds at Tennis Forum - A picture of players in a clique and another player marginalised. Not nice.
But that's the past. What of the future?
‘Marion “is making efforts to open up. This has never been the case in the opposite direction.” Said Walter.
Whether baseless or not, a culture of exclusion and control freakery musn’t be allowed to be the FFT’s modus operandi in future. It is harmful to team morale, and more especially, team results. It's counter-productive in every way. Like Walter explained, it's by getting along together that progress can be made.
I’m sure that Marion fans will be watching closely to see if the new Fed Cup set up starts on the right footing, and that from hazy beginnings brighter days lie ahead.
* France play Italy in Orleans on the weekend of 7th February 2009
