World reacts to Bartoli's sudden return to tour

Published Dec 20, 2017

I am delighted to announce my comeback on the professional circuit of the @WTA next year
I am so looking forward to see you again during my matches and share some amazing emotions with you . @Eurosport_FR #marionisback pic.twitter.com/KVPUnwEqlp
— MARION BARTOLI (@bartoli_marion) December 19, 2017

Marion Bartoli announced on Tuesday that she plans to return to the tour in March. The Frenchwoman first retired at the age of 28, just weeks after she won Wimbledon in 2013.

She reached a high of No. 7 in 2012, and won eight total WTA crowns. Her official farewell at Wimbledon in 2014 was almost more emotional than her maiden Grand Slam win.

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Needless to say, players and fans alike are happy to have her back.

Bonne chance @bartoli_marion pour ton retour ! A très vite 💪 pic.twitter.com/KysFQoOzzY
— Lucas Pouille (@la_pouille) December 19, 2017

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So excited for Marion comeback. LOVE HER
— Laura (@lauramekiou) December 19, 2017

As nice as it is to hear that Marion Bartoli is getting back into the swing of competitive tennis, I'm even happier that her health is allowing her to do it. There were some scary moments a couple of years ago. I'm glad she's in a better place now.
— Chad (@CCSMOOTH13) December 19, 2017

There are some skeptics, though.

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Yeah....really not feeling this Bartoli comeback idea. I definitely think she didn't know what to do with herself after her abrupt retirement, but I don't think this is the answer... 👀
— Tennis Inside Out (@TennisInsideOut) December 20, 2017

And defenders.

Regarding Bartoli: Why the hell not? If she wants to play and she's good enough, allez Marion!
— James Rogers (@ElliottJMR) December 20, 2017

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Mostly people are just shocked.

Not sure what I'm more surprised by: Marion Bartoli's unexpected retirement in 2013 or her surprise return in 2018. Either way, her emotional farewell in 2013 was definitely memorable https://t.co/G68sl9qslP
— Kelyn Soong (@KelynSoong) December 19, 2017

“I’m not like that. I won’t come back. It’s done" - Marion Bartoli in August 2013
https://t.co/k6GJixbh1i
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) December 19, 2017

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Bartoli said she plans to return in Miami, but Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas has another idea.

Andy Roddick responded with an announcement of his own:

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Well since @bartoli_marion has decided to come back, I have something to say ........
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) December 20, 2017

Good luck @bartoli_marion !!
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) December 20, 2017

Bartoli is one of 13 players in the Open Era to win Wimbledon without dropping a set. The prestigious list includes Billie Jean King, Evonne Goolagong, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Margaret Court, Jana Novotna, Lindsay Davenport, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova.

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Perhaps more than anything, fans missed the things that made Bartoli unique, such as her two-handed forehand, untraditional serve, her self-reported 175 IQ, and unusual on-court mannerisms.

I don't know about you but I'm already looking forward to Bartoli-Konta. #bouncebouncebouncebeforeserve

<3
— René Denfeld (@Renestance) December 19, 2017

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IT IS TIME. pic.twitter.com/dKPnAAAsqv
— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) December 19, 2017

In 2016, Bartoli lost a shocking amount of weight after suffering from a mysterious virus. She has made a full recovery since. At 33, she's still younger than three of the four Australian Open women's semifinalists in 2017.

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