Marion Bartoli: Former Wimbledon champion 'fears for life' over unknown virus
- Published
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli says she "fears for her life" after contracting an unknown virus that has caused her dramatic weight loss.
France's Bartoli was barred from playing in an invitational event at Wimbledon this week after doctors expressed fears over her health.
Bartoli, who insists she is not anorexic, says the virus is so rare medical experts have no name for it.
"This is not life. I am just surviving," said the 31-year-old.
Bartoli says she can only eat organic salad leaves and cucumbers without skins, and has to wash with mineral water rather than tap water.
"I fear for my life. I worry that one day my heart will stop," the 2013 Wimbledon champion told ITV's This Morning., external
"My life is a living nightmare. I don't wish this on anyone but it is gradually getting worse."
Bartoli added that she needs gloves when she uses her mobile phone as the virus has caused severe electro-sensitivity.
The former world number seven believes she picked up the virus when flying between Australia, New York and India in January and February this year.
She has since lost 20kg and says she will start course of treatment at a clinic on Monday.
You can now add tennis alerts in the BBC Sport app - simply head to the menu and My Alerts section
- Published7 July 2016
- Published6 July 2016
- Published6 July 2016
- Published8 November 2016
- Published9 November 2016
- Published17 June 2019
- Published8 August 2017
- Published13 May 2016
- Published19 July 2016