Marion Bartoli has been there to help Harriet Dart in her journey to winning her first WTA title.
Dart won the Guangzhou Open after coming through qualifying, culminating in a final victory over Lilli Tagger, as she came from behind to beat the Austrian teenager 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Not only is it a huge victory for the Briton in terms of winning her first WTA title at 30 years old, but it has also given Dart a big rankings boost, which will secure her a place in the Australian Open main draw in 2027.
Dart has been coached by former Wimbledon champion Bartoli since May, and the Frenchwoman has now sent a message to her player after helping her win her first title.
Marion Bartoli claims Harriet Dart is ‘just getting started’ after WTA title win
Dart received a lengthy message from Bartoli on Instagram, highlighting how much work the Briton had put in behind the scenes to get to winning her first WTA title.
Bartoli wrote, “I know it was one of your biggest dreams H!!! Becoming a @wta champion!!! People will see the smile and the trophy on this picture, I saw all the hours on the practice court, willing to change, to improve. The hard sessions, the ones I pushed you beyond your limits, the ones you pushed yourself beyond the limits. The endless sprints with @decadario (Dario Gonfiantini – Dart’s fitness coach).
“Results: tournament won with six matches in three sets out of seven!! It’s funny how much it’s never about luck but almost ALWAYS about WORK.”
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Dart made an Instagram post of her own to reflect on her victory in Guangzhou, as she said, INSANE!???!
Green is fast becoming my new favourite colour. I’ve won a wta singles title – what on earth!! Means the world. Thank you for all the support.”
This post from Dart saw her receive a series of congratulations from other WTA players including Eva Lys, Heather Watson and her Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong, with Bartoli leaving another message for her player.
Bartoli added, “Saying I am so, so, so, so proud of you is probably the biggest understatement of the YEAR!!! SO ALL I WILL SAY IS: WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED H!!!”
Greg Rusedski reacts to Harriet Dart winning the Guangzhou Open
Dart has also received support from former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski, who reacted to her maiden title win in the latest edition of his podcast, where he suggested that other British players’ success may have contributed to this.
“I also want to say a big congratulations and perseverance to win your first WTA title is a very, very special moment and Lilli Tagger to me is going to be a top five player in the world, she’s that good,” said Rusedski. “So that’s a big moment and something she’ll never forget in her life.
“On top of that, I believe it’s about momentum. Sonay Kartal, finals in China where she played great in a 1000 event, then [Katie] Boulter played very well in Tokyo and all of a sudden that just gives you the impetus to put forward, and now Dart a big week winning her first title.
“So well done Harriet, great news we are getting some good British stories in the ladies. We just need to see a few more happening in the men’s now, that would be good to talk about. Nothing but kudos and congrats and perseverance, a very, very special moment and something she’ll never forget.”
Dart has since withdrawn from her next tournament at the Chennai Open, suggesting that she has decided to end her season on a high after winning the title in Guangzhou.
