Marion Bartoli has said she “still can’t understand” the comment John Inverdale made about her appearance ahead of her Wimbledon 2013 title triumph, describing it as “absolutely disgusting”.
Inverdale's remark before the final
The French player lifted her only Grand Slam trophy at the All England Club 13 years ago. While she prepared to face Sabine Lisicki in the final, Inverdale said on BBC Radio 5 Live that she was “never going to be a looker”.
Bartoli went on to win the match 6-1 6-4 and retired from professional tennis a few weeks later. In the years after her retirement, the former world No. 7 faced a public battle with anorexia.
Pressure on female players
Bartoli’s appearance was scrutinised throughout her career, and Inverdale’s comments remain a point of contention for her.
“I still can’t understand the comment he made,” Bartoli told The Times. “How on earth, when someone just achieved a childhood dream, can you say that?
“It is just absolutely disgusting, so yes, unfortunately it’s been a constant pressure. And it’s only on female [players]. A male would never be treated that way.”
