The last time I heard John Barrett commentate on a Marion Bartoli match was at Eastbourne last year. On that occasion he was somewhat circumspect about Marion Bartoli. Today however the veteran commentator was glowing, effusive, in his praise for Marion, "One of the most extraordinary victories I have ever seen in 25 years of broadcasting.. Sheer guts and determination." He said today Marion Bartoli went up greatly in his estimation.

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In the first set Marion offered blistering winners from every corner of the court, and an incredible 100% of points won when her first serve was in. In 18 minutes Marion took the set and looked as if she may blow Sugiyama away in something approaching a WTA match record time!

But the second set gave Sugiyama a chance to start afresh. Marion surrendered her first point against her first serve at a critically cruel break-point moment. The momentum didn’t so much swing in Sugiyama's favor so much as the Bartoli express begun to grind to a halt. But even through the inertia, Marion found the character and the inner fight in this match.

At 4-4 there was a lengthy delay as Marion received medical attention.

Both players traded breaks throughout the second set, but Sugiyama ultimately sealed it 6-4.

I had the opportunity to watch the stream in the third set. Marion was plodding around the court between points in the most lethargic fashion. She was glugging down her various color coded liquids during intervals like it was going out of fashion. The ice pack was in use also. Stretching and crouching between points. Unable to run down the balls she did in the first set, and not getting the height on her serve. The poor baba was unwell out there that's for sure.

Perhaps some would have thought the moment Sugiyama went 4-2 up in the deciding set it was curtains for Bartoli.

But don't you kid yourself; Marion hides behind no window-drapery! With a herculean effort Marion eventually retrieved the break on her fifth break back point. Someone pencil in HERO MOMENT right here.

Both players held serve until the inevitable gladiatorial climax - the tie break.

The first two points of the tie break went against serve, Marion hitting the net to undo her early mini break. Then each player had a momentary fetish for overhead lobs to bring things to 2-2.

Sugiyama won four points in succession to bring up three match points. But Marion saved all of them - Sugiyama went wide with a return on one point, and Marion offered a lovely winner right into the corner for another, a Sugiyama double fault brought things level once again for 6-6 in the tie break. Choppy stream prevented me from getting much of a look on the final two points of the match but suffice to say Super Marion Bartoli done the business.

The spectators within the admittedly sparsely filled stadium were very appreciative of Marion's efforts, applauding and cheering her with enthusiasm.

After the match Marion spoke to Annabel Croft and said that she had felt unwell since after the Australian Open. She said she was looking forward to her second round match with Francesca Schiavone as it was a chance to exact some "revenge" upon the Italian after last year.

Well done Marion, happy birthday Walter

EDIT

A later match report is now up on the website, www.marion-bartoli.net