When I set out to write a quick preview of the match earlier on, the aim was to try articulate something that's plausible, rational, appealing, convincing. Setting out the pro's and cons of each player, and accentuating the possitive reasons as to why the player that this blog is dedicated to might win.

All's good so far..

The thing is, if you support Marion Bartoli you might as well leave the cerebral at the door. She is a player, and Walter Bartoli is a coach, who rewrite the rules, not only of the game, but of the philosophy of self belief that so often turns out to be the critical determining factor as to who will win and who will not win.

There is a lyric in a Coldplay song that Marion listens to, it goes, "they are turning my head out to see what I am about."

The irony is this is precisely what some have did over the years that Marion and Walter have been on the tour - Head picking them. Trying to find out what makes them tick and why they prefer to do things differently. Discover some secret ingredient, some kryptonite in Dr. Bartoli garage that fuel's these apparently incredible results.

For my sins maybe I do a little of that head-picking too, yet at Marion Bartoli Fan Blog the cold indifference of tennis-reason is replaced by a sympathetic passion, a love, seeking to enlighten about the Bartoli way, albeit in the most faltening, hap-hazard, and even sometimes mistaken way - Examining the Bartolicraft, in a less schooled (expertised) way. Taking a step back, away from job on the line journaling deadlines and predictable tennis metaphors that the commercial tennis websites fall back on. Sticking with the Bartoli message in victory and defeat, sickness and health, joy and despair - knowing that someday this intelligent, poised, strong, and unspeakably beautiful woman will win a grand slam, and marry some prince charming like Roger Federer or Pierce Brosnan, and have kids and live happily ever after by the picket fence, maybe..

Each time Marion comes out with a huge win like tonight's over Jelena Jankovic, experts with all their admirable knowledge of tennis strategy must find a rational for putting it all down to a "fluke",

Still, not everyone see's it like these experts do, and that's encouraging. Even the official WTA tour site is full of praise for Marion's outstanding play tonight.

Listening to the commentators speculating that there must have been something wrong with Marion's opponent tonight, an injury, a this, or that. OK, it may well be so.. we'll just have to see what Jelena say's for herself in her press conference. But always, every time Marion wins like this, a preocupation with the other player follows. I guess the pundits have to save their own faces. Find excuses for their perpetual dismissal of Marion as a contender.

Believe it or not, this equivocation even infects fans - Tries to influence us to be all rational and plausible and emolient to conventional expectations - therefore we must say something sensible such as if Marion's going to win against Jankovic, she'll do it in three tight sets.. but you know we dream more overwhelming scorelines, like the one which came to pass tonight.... The heart of possibility sings a different word. Like the refrain from French children's classic, The Little Prince,

On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux

One cannot see well except with the heart, the essential is invisible to the eyes. - and that essence is parental love shown by tireless commitment - As Marion herself said two years ago, My dad always said you can be up there, you can be just as good as Henin. He was the only one who believed in me That love is at the core of Marion's successes, it is essential to understanding big moments like today's.. Maybe some will think i'm being too idealistic or sentimental, but, well, there is no escaping it, it's true! No amount of WTA mentoring schemes or paid coaching entourage could replace what Walter has provided for his daughter. This relationship is at the core of her achievement.

As for the match, tonight Marion played some exceptional tennis, Out thinking, out running, and out playing her opponent. Bringing back that old classic from 2007... step inside the baseline to recieve second serve and see you opponent make mistakes as a result! Pouncing on the less pacey serves of her opponent, running down all the tight angle shots from her opponent.

Clearly thriving on the great support of the Australian crowd, Marion is shining a spotlight on the weaknesses of other players at the moment. She is turning the tables, asking questions, picking everyone else's head. It's fair to say she is the form player of 2009.. pretty impressive considering this is traditionally her weakest surface.

And you just knew that if she was going to beat Jankovic tonight, there would be no inspid scoreline, but another Arthur Ashe Arena or Center Court moment. Moments when Marion becomes like the iceberg and the star opponent becomes like the Titanic, so many of these opponent's have had their tournament hopes consigned to a watery rusting grave. Like I wrote in the preview, underestimate Marion at your peril.

So this is a great win, and let's celebrate the fact that Marion Bartoli is in the quarter final of the Australian Open. But feet on the ground, because if may very well be Vera Zvonareva she play's next.. a blisteringly hard hitting player who has given Marion many hard matches in the past. The next round opponent may well be a tougher match up than her 4th round one.

Commiserations to Jelena Jankovic and best wishes for the rest of season 2009. Your grand slam title will come sometime for sure.

Enjoy today Marimaniacs, Bartolians, Marionettes, and whatever else you-we call ourselves, our little band of disparate devotees - Marion and Walter the cult hero's of the tennis world!! :.

BartAllez!!

Finally, if you haven't already looked, do visit Marion's Melbourne Blog on the official tour site www.wtatour.com Always a delight to read.

Marion Bartoli CEO
the boss to you :)

NB. Snippets and post match comments to follow as they become available

The more straight-forward match write up is now available on www.marion-bartoli.net

Edited Mon 26 Jan 2009