Marion BartoliNo. 9 seed, Marion Bartoli of France, shows her excitement after defeating Serena Williams of the USA in round four of the 2011 Wimbledon championships in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(8-6).

Serena had no answer for the determination and powerful strokes hit by Marion. Serena seemed a little off balance the first set, and picked up her game somewhat during the 2nd set, but to no avail. Marion took the match in the tie-break.

It was the first time Marion has defeated Serena. Serena led the head-to-head series 2-0. In fact, Marion had never won a set off of Serena in their previous meetings.

It was to be expected. Sooner or later Serena’s run would come to an end. After all, she had not played for almost a year. One cannot expect to take a year off and come out still on top.

Marion will now face No. 62, Sabine Lisicki of Germany in the Quarterfinals.