Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has again criticised broadcaster John Inverdale for a comment he made about her appearance following her 2013 title victory. Bartoli described the remark as "absolutely disgusting" in a recent reflection on the incident.
Background of the Controversy
After Bartoli won the Wimbledon women's singles title in 2013, Inverdale, commentating for the BBC, questioned whether her father had told her she was "never going to be a looker" and would have to compensate by being "the most dogged, determined fighter." The comment drew widespread criticism at the time for focusing on the athlete's appearance rather than her sporting achievement.
Bartoli, who retired from professional tennis in 2014 and again in 2018 after a brief comeback, has spoken previously about the impact of the remark. Her latest comments reiterate her view that such commentary has no place in sports broadcasting.
