Wimbledon champion calls out BBC pundit's 'disgusting' comments live on air

BREAKING NEWS

Marion Bartoli won Wimbledon in 2013 (Image: Getty)

Marion Bartoli says she “still can’t understand” a now-infamous comment that John Inverdale made about her looks ahead of her Wimbledon 2013 title triumph. The French star lifted her only Major trophy at the All England Club 13 years ago, but while she prepared to face Sabine Lisicki in the final, Inverdale said she was “never going to be a looker” while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live. Bartoli went on to claim a 6-1 6-4 victory and retired from professional tennis just a few weeks later.

In the years following her retirement, the former world No. 7 faced a public battle with anorexia. Bartoli’s public appearance was scruntinised throughout her career, but Inverdale’s remarks understandably remain a sore point.

“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.”

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