Coach Marion Bartoli praises Harriet Dart after clinching first WTA title

The British player booked her place in the main draw through qualifying before producing an impressive run to the final, where she overcame Austrian teenager Lilli Tagger in a hard-fought encounter.

Dart recovered from losing the opening set to prevail 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 and complete a memorable tournament victory.

Her triumph also delivers a significant improvement to her world ranking, ensuring she will enter the main draw of the 2027 Australian Open without having to navigate the qualifying competition.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has been instrumental in Dart's progress, having taken charge of her coaching in May.

The Frenchwoman celebrated her player's breakthrough with an emotional Instagram tribute, highlighting the dedication required to reach the milestone.

Bartoli pointed to the demanding work undertaken away from the spotlight, including gruelling training sessions, countless sprints alongside fitness coach Dario Gonfiantini and the commitment Dart showed towards improving her game.

"I know it was one of your biggest dreams H!!! Becoming a wta champion!!! People will see the smile and the trophy on this picture, I saw all the hours on the practice court, willing to change, to improve," said Bartoli via Instagram.

"The hard sessions, the ones I pushed you beyond your limits, the ones you pushed yourself beyond the limits. The endless sprints with decadario (Dario Gonfiantini - Dart's fitness coach).

"Results: tournament won with six matches in three sets out of seven!! It's funny how much it's never about luck but almost ALWAYS about WORK." 

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