The 2013 Qatar Total Open is the first tournament of Marion Bartoli’s career without her father Walter by her side. The 28-year-old Frenchwoman won her opener against Francesca Schiavone 7-6(5) 6-3, even earning the Shot of the Day honor by the WTA, but today the ninth seed lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4 6-4, who’s been rediscovering good results this year and came to Doha with two straight quarterfinals (Sydney and Melbourne).
Here’s what Bartoli said about making the difficult decision to detach from her father’s constant guidance:
I felt maybe at this stage of my career, when I have so much experience, I could maybe try a little bit more my way or differently. But I still love my dad. I still call him right after the match. …It’s a tough decision. I won’t say hard. I think tough. But, you know, at some point throughout my career I have been going through some tough decisions. That’s what helped me to be where I am right now…
The 2007 Wimbledon finalist has the goal of winning a Grand Slam title and thinks that former No.1, twice Grand Slam champion and French Fed Cup captain Amelie Mauresmo would be a perfect coach to help her achieve that career milestone. After all, Amelie is the person who drew Bartoli back into the French Fed Cup team after a nine-year absence the reason for which was that Bartoli didn’t want any other coach but her father, which clashed with the rules.
For me the ideal would be to be with someone to help me win a Grand Slam and I think Amelie can. But it is up to her.
(photo: © Neal Trousdale)
Growing up is tough to do. I won’t say hard. I think tough. Better late than never. I mean, whenever. Anyway, best of luck…, Amélie.