Let me begin by saying that Marion Bartoli Fan Blog greets the news of Marion’s nomination for the 2009 Femmes En Or award with great pleasure. Whether she wins or not, this nomination is recognition not only of her achievements, but of her character and conduct. It may also be possible that attending such a prestigious event can enhance the current mood of openess.
The locus of the award itself isn’t on those who have accumulated the most trophy’s, the most Oscars’s, the most money, or the most album downloads, but on women who have something of the role-model about them. Women with a bit of grit, a bit of soul. Women who have aspired to something better, or just survived in face of adversity. This is why the nominations draw together such a diversity of female experience, from pioneering researchers to paralympians.
As the official Femmes En Or website say’s ‘The award is intended as a tribute to women who help women to change society.’
Even now at just 24 years old, Marion has shown that she meets this criteria, and is worthy of her place on the nominations list. It isnt just that she has been a Wimbledon finalist, top 10 player, and French number 1. Or that she will fight on court until she drops. But it’s also the fact that this is a young woman who both stands up for (her) family and has shown signs of leadership. Asked ‘what would she be if not a tennis player? "Probably a minister in the Government.”’ replied Marion to The Independent newspaper.
The world of French tennis has a reputation for being fiercely competitive and even ruthless. One recalls the incident where a young player was doped by an opponents parent and subsequently fell asleep at the wheel, and died on the way home in a car accident. This is of course a sensational story not entirely indicative of the French tennis world, nevertheless it cant be underestimated how hard it is for someone to just, how can I put it, come in from the left as the Bartoli’s have done.
French tennis has, like many national tennis structures, been governed by conservative institutions. Marion has overcame the obstacles in her way to get where she is today, overcame the doubts about her ability, and overcame the difficulty gaining entry to domestic tournaments as a junior. She has overcame those who considered that she just couldnt play in such an unorthodox style and hope to ever be a top player. And who’s to say that her defiance of the current set up at the French Tennis Federation isnt playing a role in changes that are now occuring, particularly in relation to the Fed Cup team. In this regard alone she is helping to change society.
It isnt just the domestic system that Marion is happy to question, international tournament officials havent escaped the scrutiny of the fearless Bartoli either. Who can forget her wonderfully abrasive candour following the fiasco in Montreal, ‘”what do you want me to do? Was I supposed to take the tournament referee, push him up against the wall and tell him, “No, you will put us on the Centre Court?”’ she later reflected to the Montreal Gazette.
She wields that powerful customised Prince racquet like a gladiatorial sword, and with it show’s she has the balls to be a winner on the tennis court, and as a woman in society. Looking at the fascinating little trophy somewhat reminiscent of a certain Gustav Klimt painting. I think for Marion it would be a perfect match.
I approve this nomination!
(Photo: Getty)
Such a beastie!
Edited 20:37
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