Marion Bartoli

French player with a distinctive two-handed style on both wings who won the 2013 Wimbledon title before retiring shortly afterward.

Marion Bartoli was born on 2 October 1984 in Le Puy-en-Velay, France, and turned professional in February 2000, developing into one of the most unorthodox players of her generation, using a distinctive double-handed grip on both her forehand and backhand — a rare technique that made her one of the most tactically unpredictable players on tour. Bartoli reached her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in 2007, at just 22, defeating both Justine Henin and Jelena Janković en route before losing to Venus Williams in the final. She reached a career-high ranking of world No. 7 in January 2012, and reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2011. Bartoli's crowning achievement came at Wimbledon in 2013, where she won the singles title without dropping a set throughout the tournament, defeating Sabine Lisicki in the final. Remarkably, she announced her retirement from professional tennis just weeks later, on 14 August 2013, citing physical exhaustion and the toll the sport had taken on her body. Bartoli won eight WTA singles titles across her career and represented France at the Fed Cup, reaching the final in 2004. Since retiring, she has built a career in tennis broadcasting and coaching, drawing on a playing style that made her one of the most technically distinctive champions of her era.

Bartoli was known for her unique two-handed forehand and backhand, an unconventional style that made her difficult to read for opponents. She possessed exceptional court coverage and defensive skills, often turning defensive positions into offensive opportunities through her speed and anticipation.

Bartoli proved that unconventional technique could succeed at the highest level of tennis, inspiring players to develop their own unique styles rather than conform to traditional coaching methods.

• 1 Grand Slam singles title (2013 Wimbledon)