(June 22, 2014) WIMBLEDON – Last year’s Wimbledon Ladies’ champion Marion Bartoli says she has no regrets about retiring shortly after winning the tournament. At 28-years-old, she retired six weeks after Wimbledon after losing in Cincinnati.
“Literally I can’t even lift my arm every morning,” the Frenchwoman said. “It was the same last year, and didn’t improve from a year after, even without playing much tennis.
“So definitely no regrets at all. I totally moved on into something different. I just launched my shoe line three weeks ago during the French Open. Designing jewelry, too.
“So many things going on in my life right now, but just extremely honored to be still the 2013 Wimbledon champion and reigning champion just for the last two weeks.”
Bartoli participated in the defending champion’s news conference on Sunday despite being retired. This was the first time since 1997 that the Wimbledon’s defending champion, declined to defend her title.
So what does Bartoli miss about not playing on the tennis tour?
“What I miss the most is probably the last five seconds of my (Wimbledon) final, which is when I’m about to serve and I serve and I ace,” said the Frenchwoman. “Kind of showing it’s an ace and knowing it’s an ace and knowing I won Wimbledon, that’s probably what I’m missing.”
“Other than this, I don’t miss every morning having to wake up and not being able to lift my arm; having my whole body terribly sore; having to travel; pack and unpack; all the practice time you have to book; make sure you’re just having your schedule ready. Everything has to be ready every single day.
“I really enjoy every single second of my tennis career. It was not heavy for me. I was so driven. I was ready to do everything I need to do in order to fulfill my dream. I was extremely fortunate to do so last year, especially in this magical place as it is in Wimbledon.
“So, you know, I knew when I finished, I was kind of escaping or putting on the side. I didn’t know what was in front of me. Now I know what is in front of me, which is great.”
Karen Pestaina at The Championships, Wimbledon