Harriet Dart Credits Marion Bartoli's Belief for Career Resurgence and First WTA Title
The British tennis player achieved her career-best result at the Guangzhou Open, attributing much of her success to the guidance of former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli.
Britain's Harriet Dart has credited her former Wimbledon champion coach, Marion Bartoli, for fostering the belief that propelled her to her first WTA title win at the Guangzhou Open. Dart, ranked world number 115, defeated rising Austrian teenager Lilli Tagger to secure the biggest title of her career.
Dart, 30, stated that working with Bartoli, the former world number seven, on a part-time basis since the start of the season has been pivotal. "She really believes in me - that means the world to me. Seeing a Grand Slam champion having that belief has made me believe a lot more in myself," Dart told BBC Sport.
When Dart began her partnership with Bartoli, she was ranked outside the top 160. The two live near each other in Dubai and train together when Dart is not competing on tour. While Bartoli, 42, is not traveling full-time, they have collaborated during Grand Slam tournaments and other opportunities. Bartoli's continued ability to hit the ball with power in practice has also been a significant benefit.
In Guangzhou, Dart was without her coach, relying on observational notes sent by Bartoli. This victory is projected to lift Dart to world number 83. The latter half of her season has been particularly strong, with Dart winning 19 of her 24 tour-level hard court matches since Wimbledon, contributing to a career-best winning percentage of 23 victories from 34 matches on the WTA Tour this season.
Bartoli's mentorship extends beyond tennis, with Dart emphasizing her coach's personal support. "More than anything, Marion is just a great person. She cares about me as a person first and foremost, as well as improving me as a tennis player, of course," Dart said. She expressed anticipation for continued learning and hopes to spend more weeks training with Bartoli next year.
Dart had previously reached a career-high ranking of 70th in 2024, making the third round of Wimbledon and the second round of the US Open. However, she had spent most of the past two seasons outside the top 100, facing challenges with her second serve and mental fortitude under pressure. Her recent performance in Guangzhou, marked by several come-from-behind victories, demonstrated resilience and addressed those doubts.
Anne Keothavong, captain of the British women's team, noted Dart's consistent work ethic and professionalism, observing a marked increase in her belief and confidence. "She's been grinding away on the tour for a long time and it's great to see someone who has put in a lot of time to succeed and win a big title," Keothavong commented.
Dart's success follows strong performances from other British women on the Asian hard-court swing. Sonay Kartal reached the Wuhan final, Katie Boulter made the Osaka semi-finals, and teenager Hannah Klugman recently won a significant Challenger tour event. Keothavong lauded the players' ability to perform at the season's end, calling it encouraging for British tennis.