Bartoli dismisses 'sexist' remarks by BBC presenter

Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has said she would not let comments about her appearance from a senior BBC presenter spoil the greatest day of her life.

The BBC was forced to apologise yesterday after John Inverdale suggested the French player was “never going to be a looker”.

Inverdale made the disparaging remark on BBC Radio 5 Live, shortly after French player Marion Bartoli defeated Germany’s Sabine Lisicki on Centre Court.

Bartoli, 28, sank to her knees after she clinched the title and then made a beeline for the player’s box where she embraced her father and former coach, Walter.

Inverdale reportedly told listeners: “Do you think Bartoli’s dad told her when she was little, ’You’re never going to be a looker, you’ll never be a Sharapova, so you have to be scrappy and fight’?

The BBC later apologised for the comments, with a spokesman saying: “We accept that this remark was insensitive and for that we apologise.”

Bartoli said in a briefing tonight: “It doesn’t matter, honestly. I am not blonde, yes. That is a fact. Have I dreamt about having a model contract? No. I’m sorry.

“But have I dreamed about winning Wimbledon? Absolutely, yes.

“And to share this moment with my dad was absolutely amazing and I am so proud of it.

“I am sure I will be able to watch the DVD of the match over and over again and look at the picture of me when I am holding it (the trophy) in my arms. That is the most important thing to me and not what I can do outside of the court.”

Earlier Inverdale told his listeners that he poked fun at the player’s looks “in a nice way”.

He added: “She is an incredible role model for people who aren’t born with all the attributes of natural athletes”.