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Bartoli calls time on her career


 

Originally published on: 15/08/13 00:00

The Frenchwoman, who withdrew from tournaments in Stanford and Carlsbad with a hamstring injury, fell in the second round of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati on Wednesday with a 3-6 6-4 6-1 defeat to Simona Halep.

Speaking after the upset, the No.8 seed revealed it had been the last match of her career, saying her body could no longer cope with the strains of the professional game.

"That was actually the last match of my career. Sorry," Bartoli told reporters. "It's time for me to retire and call it a career. I feel it's time for me to walk away actually.

"My body just can't do it anymore. I've already been through a lot of injuries since the beginning of the year. I've been on the tour for so long, and I really pushed through and left it all during that Wimbledon.

“I really felt I gave all the energy I have left in my body. I made my dream a reality and it will stay with me forever, but now my body just can't cope with everything. I have pain everywhere after 45 minutes or an hour of play. I've been doing this for so long, and body-wise I just can't do it anymore.

"It's been a tough decision to make. I didn't make this decision easily. I mean, I've been a tennis player for a long time, and I had the chance to make my biggest dream a reality. I felt I really, really pushed through the ultimate limits to make it happen, to be honest. But now I just can't do it anymore."

"I congratulate Marion on her long, successful career,” WTA chairman and CEO Stacey Allaster. “She is an inspirational champion and a great ambassador for women's tennis that has dedicated her life to the sport and given so much back to the game. Fans and everyone at the WTA will miss Marion's energy and passion for our sport.

“I am so proud of her for who she is, her values, and for fighting to realize her dream of winning Wimbledon. We all wish her the best as she enters the next chapter of her life."

Bartoli, who last month became the first Frenchwoman to win Wimbledon since Amelie Mauresmo in 2006, won a Grand Slam at the 47th attempt, breaking Jana Novotna's record of 45 major appearances before winning a major.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.