World reacts to Bartoli's sudden return to tour

By Cody Fitzpatrick Dec 20, 2017
Quote of the Day

“I’m not the only one!” Andrey Rublev reacts to Wimbledon’s wild opening week

By Stephanie Livaudais Jul 03, 2025
Style Points

Naomi Osaka leaves the flowers at home for an all-business Wimbledon look

By Stephanie Livaudais Jul 02, 2025
Social

Carson Branstine meets “my idol” Novak Djokovic after dream Wimbledon run

By Stephanie Livaudais Jul 02, 2025
Pop Culture

Olivia Rodrigo, John Cena among celebrities in Wimbledon Royal Box

By Associated Press Jul 02, 2025
Pop Culture

Cate Blanchett cuts a popular figure at Wimbledon, from star-struck Barbora Krejcikova to Daria Kasatkina

By Baseline Staff Jul 02, 2025
Social

Carlos Alcaraz sends well wishes to fan who fell ill during his first-round Wimbledon victory

By Baseline Staff Jul 02, 2025
Style Points

One and done: Rounding up the best Wimbledon outfits we lost in Day 2 chaos

By Stephanie Livaudais Jul 01, 2025
Quote of the Day

Novak Djokovic says a doctor's "miracle pills" helped his stomach during his win

By Associated Press Jul 01, 2025
Style Points

Nike gifts Alexandra Eala hair tie featuring Philippines' national flower ahead of Centre Court debut

By Baseline Staff Jul 01, 2025

World reacts to Bartoli's sudden return to tour

ByCody Fitzpatrick

Published Dec 20, 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.

Advertising

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

Advertising

There are some skeptics, though.

Advertising

And defenders.

Advertising

Mostly people are just shocked.

Advertising

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:

Advertising

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.

Advertising

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.

Advertising

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.