The Triumph of the Wonder Woman

Probably no one gave her a chance at the beginning of the tournament, but Marion Bartoli has always felt inspired on the grass-courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. She may have not advanced past the quarterfinals so far this year, but when she saw the draw open nicely for her, she knew she was given the chance of a lifetime. And she went for it.

If all the top names fell in the early rounds, Marion kept her focus and cruised through to the quarterfinals without dropping a set. A tough test followed, but the Frenchwoman showed incredible mental strength to dismiss teen sensation Sloane Stephens 6-4,7-5 to reach her second Wimbledon semifinal. She may not be the ultimate athlete, but Bartoli is one of the smartest women on the tour. Playing a smart mental game, she put an end to Kirsten Flipkens' dream run, stunning the Belgian 6-1,6-2 to book her place in the grand finale against big-hitting German, Sabine Lisicki. 

Although I rooted for Bartoli, I admit I was certain the German would prevail. Sabine showed such great fight the entire tournament, shocking world No.1 and defending champion, Serena Williams, and last year's runner-up, Agnieszka Radwanska, to reach her maiden Grand Slam final. However, Marion has been in this situation before and the experience helped her prepare mentally for the challenge. Although her opponent held a 3-1 head-to-head record against her, the Frenchwoman seized the opportunity and was determined not to let it go. While Lisicki could not handle the emotions, Bartoli was all pumped up and ready to achieve her dream. She played flawless tennis to go 6-1,5-1 up and although she missed three match points to allow the German to close the gap, she cold-bloodedly served out the match to clinch her maiden major title. "Honestly I still can't believe it," she beamed. "I've dreamed about this moment for so long. For me, winning Wimbledon is beyond my wildest dreams, let alone with an ace - but I've been practicing my serve for so long, I guess I saved it for the best moment! I'm so happy to be holding this trophy. This has been my dream since I was six years old."
"I honestly just can't believe it," she added. "I feel like I'm going to wake up and none of this will have happened. I was just really focused on every single point out there. I saw the finish line at 5-1 but then she started playing so well - but to finish it with an ace is just amazing. I'm so happy right now."

The peculiar Frenchwoman may not be everyone's cup of tea, but she's certainly one of my favourite players. I think what she does on the court is so special, that she sometimes is not given the respect she deserves. It is just amazing that Marion is now a Grand Slam winner. Surreal even. It was a shock when she beat the dominant Justine Henin to make the 2007 final, but she needed today's win to prove everyone what a great champion she is. No matter what happens next, no one can take this win from her. She is the new Wimbledon queen and she did it without dropping a set. Wow, what an amazing achievement. Congrats Marion, you fully deserve this!

An extremely joyful Marion celebrated her triumph with her camp: new coach, Amelie Mauresmo, father, doctor Walter Bartoli, as well as compatriot, Kristina Mladenovic.

After losing the 2007 final to Venus Williams, Marion Bartoli was determined not to let another chance slip by. The Frenchwoman controlled the match throughout, closing out Sabine Lisicki 6-1,6-4 to win her maiden Grand Slam crown.

photos: GETTY IMAGES