Watch: Bartoli Reveals Weight Loss Caused By Mystery Virus

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Watch: Bartoli Reveals Weight Loss Caused By Mystery Virus

Former 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli won many battles on the tennis court. But now the French star is in a new battle for her health.

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Bartoli spoke out on rumors regarding her recent weight loss in a TV interview for “ITV This Morning” in Great Britain. Bartoli revealed that she is battling with a mysterious illness that has left her unable to eat most food and has made her very sensitive to regular tap water and electric devices such as mobile phones.

“It’s absolutely horrendous,” Bartoli said. “My life right now is an absolute nightmare. What I am going through, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone."

Bartoli believes she picked up the virus during a recent visit to India. When her weight loss started, she thought it was due to her not being on the pro tour anymore. But, in the last few months, her condition has gotten worse.

“I can’t even wash myself with tap water. I can’t be on my phone for more than five minutes as my heart starts to pump. Every time I do something, I’m scared to see the reaction to my body, it’s a constant fear.”

Bartoli can’t eat normal foods and is reduced to eating organic salad leaves and cucumbers with the skin peeled.

“I’m reduced to eating organic salad leaves with cucumber without the skin, because my body can’t even process the skin.”

Bartoli, who was scheduled to compete in the Legends’ Doubles event at Wimbledon was withdrawn by the tournament due to medical reasons.

With many in the tennis world expressing concern for her rapid weight loss, Bartoli gave the interview in hopes of setting the record straight and possibly helping others.

“That’s why I wanted to come here and explain to them. Maybe there are other people around the world suffering the same, and maybe we can all join and be supportive.”

Bartoli plans to start treatment next week.

“I hope and pray the doctors will be able to treat me. As a Wimbledon champion, I’m trying to fight my hardest to survive. I want people to understand that I don’t do [this] to myself on purpose; this is what I’m going through and it’s absolutely horrendous.”

Serena Williams, who reached the Ladies’ final, applauded Bartoli for speaking up about her condition.

“I was really proud to hear she did say something,” Williams said. “She took it upon herself to acknowledge what she’s been fighting through. I really admire anyone that is courageous like that.”

Bartoli achieved a career high ranking of No. 7 in the world and won eight career titles before retiring in 2013.

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