Mutua Madrilena
Madrid Open

Round 1

"In Rome, the conditions were unacceptable, but now I have no excuses. I ask too many questions when I am on clay, the movements are less consistent for me on this surface, I never know quite what to do in fact move forward, or backward." (Ten Fem Fr. - translated)

Marion speaking tearfully after yesterday's loss.

Match Summary

More Flack From Wozniak

Not content with denying Marion the Stanford title last year, the star of Canadian tennis Aleksandra Wozniak made it two victories out of two against the highest ranking Frenchwoman - inflicting a 6-7(2) 2-6 defeat in the first round of the Madrid Open.

The opening service games of the match contained a total of seven deuce points and took almost fifteen minutes to complete, setting the tone for a very tight first set.

After exchanging breaks of serve for 2-2 there was no give between the players until Marion seized a potentially vital break of serve to lead 6-5. But again Wozniak immediately cancelled out the break, and with it Marion's chance to seal the first set.

Yesterday Aleksandra Wozniak said that she would need to be patient against Marion, and after almost an hour of play that approach paid dividends for the world number 26, taking a hard fought first set by winning the tie break.

Yesterday Aleksandra Wozniak said that she would need to be patient against Marion, and after almost an hour of play that approach paid dividends for the world number 26, taking a hard fought first set in the tie break after an hour of play.

The match statistics revealed a remarkable contrast today, with Marion getting a high percentage of first serves in, and also points won on first serve, compared with her opponent. Yet in the end it wasn't enough. Wozniak also took her chances at vital points, such as in the tie break, with some bold serving.

Perhaps still reeling from the loss of the first set, Marion found herself down 0-4 in the 2nd set in a matter of minutes, and although she began to bind the wound and apply some soothing balm to the score line late in the 2nd set, it didn't alter the final complexion of the match.

Wozniak said, "I stayed aggressive from the baseline and sliced my balls to move her off the court because she hits with two hands. I also hit some solid winners and took some good risks." (Tennis Canada)

That risk taking shown in the huge disparity in first serve percentages in the first set; Wozniak down at 42% while Marion was in the upper seventies. Then in the 2nd set, French testosterone supressed, Wozniak simply got a bit cockier. More misery for Le'Coq against Wozniak.

Consolation for this early exit in Madrid is not easy to find, it is undeniably a tough result for Marion who has put in so much good work recently, together with her father and coach Walter Bartoli.

However, in two weeks, Marion will have a massive opportunity to recover any lost ground on the red dirt of Roland Garros.

It is worth considering that over the years Marion has actually performed better in Grand Slams than she has in tier I type events such as Madrid, now called Premier (Mandatory) events. It's as if she finds an extra little bit of magic in the special atmosphere of a grand slam tournament.. the big crowd.. the big stadium.

Every fan of Marion Bartoli will be keeping their fingers crossed that she finds some tennis magic and tennis mastery at Roland Garros. She will do her best. She always, always, always, gives her best.

Lastly, Marion has not entered the Strasbourg International. So as it currently stands she will next see competitive action in Paris at the French Open.

Match Stats

Statistics On Service

MB AW
Aces 1 0
Double Faults 2 2
1st Serve % 76% 56%
1st Serve Points Won 60% 78%
2nd Serve Points Won 33% 47%
Break Points Saved 1/5 1/3
Service Games Played 10 10

Statistics On Return

1st Return Points Won 22% 40%
2nd Return Points Won 53% 67%
Break Points Won 2/3 4/5
Return Games Played 10 10

Statistics On Points

Total Service Points Won 54% 64%
Total Return Points Won 44% 58%
Total Points Won 44% 56%

1 hr 25 mins 31 secs

Edited 21:30 - Post match comment from Aleks Wozniak and additions

Update 4 - 19:20 10/05/09

I have spoken to a photographer who was at the match. He said that Marion was visibly upset. :no: We are negotiating over some photos.

The photos will be up on the slide in a few days.