Wimbledon 2013: Talking points from Ladies final day

Marion Bartoli of France walks forward to receive the Venus Rosewater Dish trophy from Prince Edward, Duke of Kent after her victory in the Ladies’ Singles final of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club on July 6, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Bartoli wins in style

She may not be the most glamorous, she may not be the most powerful and she may not have the biggest fan base but Marion Bartoli can certainly play a good game of tennis.

In a tournament of countless shocks and under-performers, Bartoli has risen over the parapet and put in the performances when it mattered. Her unique style and mannerisms were key to her blotting out all the drama and distractions of a Wimbledon final.

In her own little zone throughout almost the entire match, Bartoli played her best tennis of the tournament and that is what you need to do at this stage in her career.

Her game plan was solid and pulled it off to a tee. Keep her serve as flat as possible to prevent Lisicki from gaining any rhythm on her sort and move around the less mobile German as much as possible to stop her having time to fire bombs down the other end of the court.

It was the defining moment in the likable Frenchwoman’s career. Can she do it again? Well if the big names survive the first week next time, it will be tough. Her power and movement aren’t at the same level of a Maria Sharapova or a healthy Victoria Azarenka but her determination is certainly a key asset for her.

She’s moved up to the top eight in the world and that should mean she’ll be able to reach the quarterfinals at least and with all the top names that have fallen in this tournament anything is possible.