Bartoli softens quit stance

Marion Bartoli has softened her stance on a possible comeback to never say never.

In the immediate aftermath of her shock decision to retire, which came just 40 days after she won Wimbledon, the Frenchwoman was adamant she would not change her mind.

Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters and Martina Hingis — now back in the game for a third time — have all returned to the tour after spells in retirement in recent years, and Bartoli has not yet asked to be taken out of the rankings.