Wimbledon 2016: Marion Bartoli 'fears for life' after rare virus sparks weight loss

Fears: Marion Bartoli expressed concerns over health during a TV interview
Alex Lentati
Jamie Bullen7 July 2016

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli says she “fears for her life” after contracting a mystery virus that sparked her dramatic weight loss.

The French tennis star was prevented from playing in an invitational event at Wimbledon this week after doctors expressed fears over her health.

Bartoli said she was just “surviving” since she was diagnosed with a virus so rare that doctors have no name for it.

Bartoli told ITV’s This Morning: “I fear for my life. I worry that one day my heart will stop.

Picture of health: Marion Bartoli won Wimbledon in 2013 
Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images

"My life is a living nightmare. I don't wish this on anyone but it is gradually getting worse."

Earlier this week she denied she was anorexic after losing 20kg this year.

She believes she may have contracted the illness when flying between Australia, New York and India in January and February.

The 31-year-old, who won Wimbledon in 2013, said she can only eat organic salad leaves and cucumbers without skins while she has to wash with mineral water instead of tap.

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