Marion Bartoli has revealed that she deliberately pushed Harriet Dart “beyond her limits” to secure the Brit’s first WTA title at the Guangzhou Open. The former Wimbledon champion, who joined Dart’s team on a part-time basis earlier this year, praised the 30-year-old for embracing the pressure of her first Tour-level final. Dart’s resilience paid off as she edged out 18-year-old Austrian Lilli Tagger in a thrilling three-set contest, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to claim the crown in China.
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The victory marks a significant milestone for the Hampstead native, who has now climbed back into the top 100 of the WTA rankings. This surge in form positions Dart with a strong chance of automatic qualification for the Australian Open main draw, which kicks off on January 11. Bartoli’s mentorship has clearly accelerated Dart’s development, transforming her from a consistent qualifier into a title contender on the professional circuit.
Bartoli, currently serving as a Sky Sports analyst, emphasized that her coaching approach focuses on mental toughness and physical endurance. She believes that by challenging Dart to exceed her perceived boundaries, the Brit is now equipped to compete at the highest level. The former French star is confident that this breakthrough is just the beginning, predicting that Dart can break into the top 30 of the world rankings in the near future.
Source: Sky Sports
