France’s Marion Bartoli laughs during a practice session, which involved playing rugby with her trainers, at the All England Club in London yesterday. (AFP)
DPA/London
Marion Bartoli is counting on six additional years of tennis experience to see her through her second Wimbledon final as she faces German Sabine Lisicki today.
The Frenchwoman lost the title match in 2007 to Venus Williams, with former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan — one of Bartoli’s screen idols — watching in the stands.
This year, the 28-year-old who could reach seventh in the WTA rankings if she wins, is doing it alone, using a new coach in former title-winner Amelie Mauresmo and relying on her new team after years of coaching from her doctor-father Walter.
Bartoli is keen to get stuck into the final with German Lisicki, who played a 2011 semi-final here and is growing as a sentimental crowd favourite.
“The last time I was so young, in a way,” said Bartoli. “I was the underdog coming out on the court — this time it is totally the opposite. I’m the higher-ranked player and I need to put in a great performance.
“I think I’ve been able to deal with the pressure really well and keep improving throughout the Championships. I do just everything a bit better than six years ago. If I could play myself from six years ago, I’d probably be beating myself quite easily.”
Lisicki, ranked 24th, holds a 3-1 lead over Bartoli and won their Wimbledon quarter-final of 2011. Bartoli beat the German in the 2008 first round at the All England club.
Lisicki has been playing with a permanent smile of contentment on her face since fighting through for a fourth-round upset over Serena Williams and then dispatching Kaia Kanepi, and fourth seed and 2012 finalist Agnieszka Radwanska in a semi-final thriller lasting into a third hour.
“That would be a dream coming true,” the Florida-based 23-year-old said of winning the trophy. “I’ve been dreaming about that since I was a little girl. This is the best place to play my first grand slam final. I couldn’t imagine any better place.”
Lisicki had to come back in 2010 from a spring ankle injury which took five months, instead of six weeks, to heal due to clumsy diagnosis by American doctors.
But once back in form she is not about to live in the past. She did admit that reading biographies of other sportsmen who fought back from injury adversity helped her along the way during her recovery,
“I love the sport so much,” said Lisicki, who has three titles including 2011 Birmingham on grass. “I miss it so much when I cannot be out there on the court. The love of the game just gives me the belief to overcome anything that comes.” She is under no illusions as to the magnitude of her job. “Marion is playing aggressive tennis. I’ve
played Serena, who plays aggressive, too. It’s another challenge, and I’m looking forward to it.”