Marion Bartoli in French Open 2008

The second grand slam of the year, French Open 2008, kicks off on 25 May. The participants are now busy with their last minute preparation and some of them are playing in different tour competitions as part of their preparation for the French Open 2008. However, world no. 9 Marion Bartoli failed to shine in the recently concluded Italian Open 2008, clay court tournament held in Rome. Marion Bartoli reached the third round before losing to Swiss star Patty Schnyder 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9-7). So, it is to say that ahead of French Open 2008, the French top seed did not have a confidence booster performance in Rome.

Marion Bartoli was pretty much successful in 2007, reaching a grand slam final for the first time in her career as she reached the final of Wimbledon 2007. Reaching the fourth round of French and US Open last year also helped her finish the year at no. 10 in WTA ranking. So, Marion Bartoli seemed to be an emerging star at the beginning of this year and before Australian Open 2008, media was raving about Bartoli. However, to everyone’s shock, Marion Bartoli lost to Sofia Arvidsson 6–7(3), 6–4, 6–3 in the first round of Australian Open 2008.

So, 23-year old, Bartoli has not seen any notable success so far this year; rather she continues suffering shocking defeats in other tours. Marion Bartoli won three singles tour titles so far in her career and all of those three she achieved in 2006 on hard court. So, it seems that Marion Bartoli plays better on hard court than clay-court, though it is true that she won two clay-court double’s titles.

Now, it is almost certain that Mario Bartoli has set her eyes on French Open 2008 and gunning for a fiery performance in front of the home crowd. In fact, Marion Bartoi is the top seeded player from France in the tournament. So, local fans will expect good performance from Marion Bartoli. Given her current form in evidence, many would think that she may not go far in women’s singles of French Open 2008. However, to me, she has immense talent and skill that could turn her into a future super star of tennis. Marion Bartoli is just 23 year old and has a lot of years ahead of her to flourish her talent. What she needs is to hold her confidence and keep developing herself in a continuous process. I would not be surprised to see Marion Bartoli replicate her Wimbledon 2007 success in the upcoming French 2008. So, I think, local fans should provide their support to Marion Bartoli and keep their faith on Bartoli.