Wimbledon Kicks Out Ex-Champion for Virus-Induced Weightloss

Former professional tennis player Marion Bartoli has been disqualified from London's Wimbledon tournament, due to her deteriorating health.

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Organizers of the tennis tournament have said Bartoli—who has lost 20 kilos—has become extremely slim, and doctors have said she cannot compete.

"I saw it coming. I have a virus in my body, that is the reason why I can’t eat anything. At the end of Wimbledon I will enter a clinic in Italy," said the 31 year old, who added that contracted the virus in India in February.

"My life has turned into a nightmare. I am getting worse and I don’t know why."

Marion Bartoli holding the 2013 Wimbledon trophy | Photo: EFE

"What I'm living is horrible,” said Bartoli. “I fear for my life, I fear that one day my heart will stop.”

The French player, who won the women’s Wimbledon championship in 2013, said she is using “survival methods” to defeat the virus, including using mineral water to wash her hands and eating only organic vegetables.

"My body is rejecting more and more things, from food to electrical things. I can’t even wear jewelry because I suffer allergic reactions," said Bartoli

The tournament announced Melanie South would replace Bartoli for a doubles match next to Anne Keothavong, where they were set to play against Martina Navratilova and Selima Sfar as part of the Legends Tournament.

Bartoli retired from tennis in 2013, after winning eight individual and three doubles championships.