“Serena is the most competitive person I’ve ever known” – Bartoli
Marion Bartoli has paid tribute to one of her old opponent’s greatest qualities
Serena Williams, of the USA, returns the ball against Belinda Bencic, of Switzerland, during the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto on Wednesday, August 10 (Zuma/Panoramic)
As Serena Williams prepares for her swansong Slam in New York, one of her former rivals has been reflecting on her legacy.
In the latest episode of Match Points, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli says that the 23-time Grand Slam champion is the most competitive person she has ever faced in her entire career.
“[She’s] the most competitive person I’ve ever seen in my life,” the Frenchwoman told host Josh Cohen. “Facing her, I always felt even though sometimes I was leading, the match was not mine, and the match was not on my terms.
“And I never felt that against any other players I ever faced.”
The two played four times on the tour, with Serena winning three times, all in straight sets. Bartoli’s one victory came in her 2011 Wimbledon campaign, winning 6-3, 7-6 (6) in the fourth round.
People in this post
More tennis news
October 7, 1999: The day John McEnroe started his Davis Cup captaincy by offending Zimbabwe, his team’s first opponents
Djokovic wins seventh Beijing title and 102nd career crown as injured de Minaur retires
“What a journey since I got injured”: Alcaraz defends Tokyo title against Lehecka for first trophy since injury
Sinner ends 2026 season due to knee inflammation, misses ATP Finals
October 6, 1986: The day Pat Cash clashed with Brad Gilbert en route to Davis Cup glory
