Google News Marion Bartoli: I felt empty after winning Wimbledon, could not play anymore
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 4696
Marion Bartoli revealed she felt empty after winning Wimbledon and physically she wasn't able to compete anymore. Bartoli, who is now 38 years old, defeated Sabine Lisicki in the 2013 Wimbledon final to win her first Grand Slam title.
After Wimbledon, Bartoli appeared in just two more tournaments before retiring - the Frenchwoman played at a WTA 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati. “I won Wimbledon in 2013 and retired weeks later. When you win a Grand Slam, you are on top of the world and do not want to quit because you have finally gotten the reward of your hard work.
My mind wanted to continue but my body could not play anymore. I devoted my whole life to compete with the best players in the world. The extra hours of practice and fitness took a toll on my body. I could not continue to play in pain.
I wanted a Grand Slam so much that my mind pushed my body until I won Wimbledon. But when I finally won, I felt empty. I did not have any more resources to return to the court. It was painful because I could not capitalize on my victory," Bartoli said in her column for Behind the Racquet.
Bartoli ended her career after becoming a Grand Slam champion
Bartoli could have won a Grand Slam much earlier but it wasn't meant. In 2007, Bartoli made her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon. In her first Grand Slam final, Bartoli didn't really stand much of a chance as Venus Williams beat the Frenchwoman 6-4 6-1.
In the next couple of years, Bartoli had other notable Grand Slam runs. At the 2011 French Open, Bartoli made the semifinal before losing to Francesca Schiavone. At the Australian Open and US Open, Bartoli was able to reach the quarterfinal. Then, Bartoli captured her first Grand Slam title at 2013 Wimbledon and her career was over.
