Serena Williams vs Marion Bartoli – Fourth Round Preview: Wimbledon Championships 2011
Former world number one and four times Wimbledon Champion Serena Williams looks all set to take on French woman Marion Bartoli in the fourth round of 2011 Wimbledon Championships in United Kingdom.
Williams made an emotional comeback to the prestigious Grand Slam event as she defeated Aravane Rezai in a three set thriller in her opening match.
"It definitely hit me at the end of the match. I'm not a cryer, so I don't know. I think it was something in my eyes at one point. It was so emotional for me because throughout the last 12 months I've been through a lot of things
that aren't normal, things you guys don't even know about. It has just been a long, arduous road. To stand up still is pretty awesome."
Improving with every match, the American tennis-pro then outclassed Simona Halep and Maria Kirilenko in the second and third rounds respectively. Hitting ten aces and 32 winners during her match against Kirilenko, Serena looked
in commanding form. If she can continue her unbelievable run on the green surface, she has a great chance of clinching three consecutive titles at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club this year.
Throughout her career, Serena has proved that she is a fighter. Every time the injuries forced her out of the game, she showed amazing determination and mental strength to come back strongly. It will take a special performance
from someone on the WTA tour to shatter her dreams this year.
Marion Bartoli is also in terrific form over the last few months. She started the grass court season on an impressive note by claiming the Birmingham title. Bartoli, who is on an eight match winning streak, has shown throughout
the tournament that she has the game to upset even the best in the business. The French woman secured her pre-quarterfinal place with a fighting victory over Flavia Pennetta. Although she is facing a tough challenge against Williams, she may surprise her opponent
if she plays her A game.
Bartoli said: "Serena is the ultimate competitor. You never count her out of a match. Of course it will be the ultimate challenge for me, but I think if I just have the same attitude and same spirit, no matter what the results
will be, I can still be proud of myself."
The two players have met each other only twice on the tour previously with Serena leading the head to 2-0. Although the pair’s encounter is going to be the first one on grass court, Serena is a strong favourite considering her
past performances on grass. Bartoli will be looking to stretch Williams to her limits by forcing the match into three sets. Serena on the other hand will be hoping to play a very controlled game play to win the match in straight sets.
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