Eastbourne 2011: Marion Bartoli powers past Czech star to win title

France’s Marion Bartoli has asserted herself as a heavy contender in this year’s Wimbledon after winning the prestigious AEGON International 2011 tournament in Eastbourne on Saturday. The Frenchwoman beat Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic in three sets 6-1, 4-6, 7-5.

Bartoli had to play twice on the same day after the semifinal matches were postponed on Friday due to rain. She earlier beat Australia’s Samantha Stosur in the semifinal. Kvitova advanced to the final after her opponent, Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia retired due to abdominal injury. It was Hantuchova who ended Venus Williams’ run at the Eastbourne tournament in the quarterfinals.