Favourite backers were stunned as Marion Bartoli caused one of the biggest shocks in Wimbledon history as she defeated world number one Justine Henin in the semi-finals. The Frenchwoman now faces Venus Williams in Saturday's final following an incredible 1-6 7-5 6-1 win.
She was even a 999 to 1 chance with one bookie before the tournament started and she is now one match away from winning the Wimbledon title. BetUS.com has Marion Bartoli at +350 odds in the Wimbledon Final.
Henin raced through the first set in 22 minutes but the big-hitting Bartoli got the better of a second set featuring seven breaks of serve and Marion hit stunning form in the third as Henin crumbled.
"I can't believe it. I'm so excited," said the 22-year-old. "It's a dream come true. If you told me that I would make the final before the tournament, I wouldn't have believed you. I didn't start well. It was so stressful being on Centre Court for the first time. But then I saw Pierce Brosnan in the crowd and he's one of my favourite actors so I just tried to play a little better. I tried to just forget who I was playing and where I was playing and I started to play very good at the end of the second set and in the third set."
Justine Henin was in a rush to leave the court after a shocking defeat which means the Wimbledon title is still missing from her collection.
Henin had been a huge favourite to line up against Venus Williams on Saturday in what would have been a repeat of the 2001 final.
Henin beat Bartoli 6-1 6-3 at Eastbourne in the lead-up to this year's Wimbledon.
She has won more titles this year than the Frenchwoman has collected in her entire career and Bartoli had never got beyond the fourth round of a Grand Slam before her surprise win.
BetUS.com has posted Wimbledon odds for the Women's Singles Final on July 7th, 2007 at 9:00 AM EST:
Venus Williams: -600 vs. Marion Bartoli +350
