Wimbledon: Marion Bartoli beats Lisicki in final

Marion Bartoli shows off her Wimbledon women's title. Picture: Getty

• Marion Bartoli wins 6-1 6-4 against German Sabine Lisicki to win her first Wimbledon title

• 15th seed was beaten by Venus Williams in 2007 final

The French player fell to her knees in joy as she emerged triumphant in the thrilling clash to claim her first grand slam title.

Marion Bartoli and Sabine Lisicki. Picture: Getty

German hopeful Lisicki, who broke down in tears during the match as she felt her hopes slipping away, was overcome with emotion as she lost out on the trophy.

But she still had the backing of fans on Centre Court who applauded her efforts as Bartoli ran across the court and climbed into the player’s box in keeping with Wimbledon tradition.

Bartoli, 28, paid tribute to her father Walter - who coached her until this year - for his backing.

He was among friends and family who supported her from the players’ box and she made a beeline for him as she clambered up from the famous lawn.

Second time round

The French number one, who was treading familiar ground as she went into the final, having been ousted by Venus Williams in 2007, told the crowd: “I just can’t believe it.

“I dreamed about this moment for so long and I was there in 2007 and I missed it, and I know how it feels Sabine.

“I am sure, believe me, you will be there one more time.”

Raising a laugh as she apologised for any mistakes in her English, Bartoli said: “I am just so happy that I am holding this trophy, it has been my dream since I was six years old.

“And I would like to thank everyone in the crowd who supported me today, and I hope next year I will be there as well.”

Her opponent Lisicki struggled to contain her emotion as she told the BBC’s Sue Barker: “I still love this tournament so much, I still love this court a lot and I love you guys, you have supported me so much this entire tournament and today you helped me get over my nerves.”

The tearful runner-up broke down as she thanked her team.

She said: “I was just overwhelmed by this whole situation but credit to Marion because she has been in that situation before and she handled it perfectly now.”

She added: “This was my first grand slam final and I wish I would have won it but I hope we get the chance on more time.”