Bartoli takes lonely road to top

Marion Bartoli completes her journey from rock bottom to the most prestigious match in women’s tennis today when she steps out on Centre Court to contest the Wimbledon final against Sabine Lisicki.

The French woman’s flawless progression through the championships, where she has yet to lose a set, is remarkable for a number of reasons.

Before Wimbledon Bartoli had not made it past the third round of any tournament this year, and her long partnership with father Walter as her coach had come to an end.