Clash of styles will make up for Serena-shaped hole in showpiece

Lisicki comes with the more Hollywood back story. She is the slayer of the giant of Serena, she is the player who had to learn to walk again after that ankle injury in 2010, and she is the patient who suffers from a grass allergy and yet excels on the most famous patch of green stuff in tennis.

Boom Boom Bina, as she is called in Germany, has the family angle covered, too. Her father introduced her to tennis and once coached her. The 23-year-old world No.24 spoke yesterday of the final continuing a journey for her and she reflected, too, that the hard miles were done on the autobahn as the family drove to tournaments.

"My parents did everything possible to let me play tennis. That's what I appreciated so much. My dad has worked from eight in the morning till nine in the evening to make it possible for me to play tennis," she said. "We had to cancel tournaments because we couldn't afford to go there. It's been a big, big challenge. So to get to this point means a lot to us."

The strong family dynamic and the unbreakable focus can also be recognised in her opponent, but while Lisicki exudes a sunny contentment it appears Bartoli is emerging from a shadow. "There is something off the court, and it's pretty much private," said the 28-year-old world No.15. "But it kind of affects my mood and my results because there were tough things to deal with. But, again, I believe that what does not kill you makes you stronger, and I just was able to come back stronger.

"I had some very low moments when I felt I pretty much hit rock bottom. But I kept my head up and I just wanted to win some matches and have some good memories on the court again. That's what drove me every single day to go on the court, practise hard, and try to improve on my game and my physical shape, as well."

In boxing terms, there is a clash of styles in today's final that may make a very watchable fight. Lisicki serves big and Bartoli is a dogged returner, strangely mobile despite her hefty shape and strong on her backhand.

"There are so many keys to the final," said Bartoli. "First of all it will be a battle of nerves, who is able to come up with the best game on that day. A final of a grand slam is always a matter of details. Maybe a point here, a point there, will make the difference. Maybe someone who is a bit more gutsy than the other player, someone who is having a better day than the others. It will be, I'm sure, a pretty good match."

Bartoli, who returns to a Wimbledon final six years after being beaten by Venus Williams, believes her experience will help her deal with any nerves. Yet the Frenchwoman, who is a bundle of energy on court, has an unusual pre-match routine that includes a nap shortly before she goes out on to court. Asked about her preparation for this afternoon, Bartoli said: "I will listen to the same music I've been listening to. It's kind of giving me some good vibes, so we'll keep doing that. I will follow the same routine, which is a good physical warm-up before going on court and then maybe a half an hour hit. If I need to catch a sleep, I will do so before the match."

She will go on court "ready to fight" and Lisicki will not take a step back either. The French battler has Amelie Mauresmo, a former Wimbledon champion in her corner, and Lisicki has already had a message from Steffi Graf, a seven-time singles champion at SW19. She revealed, too, than another German Wimbledon champion has come to her aid. "I've just spoken with Boris Becker. I asked him a couple of questions, how it was for him. He won the first final he was in, so that's pretty good," said Lisicki.

The only drawback to her Wimbledon experience is her allergy to grass. "I have learned how to cope," said Lisicki. She struggled with her allergies when she first came to Wimbledon five years ago but medication now has the most draining effects under control.

The stage is set for a final where a case could be made for either player. It is Serena-lite but heavy with possibilities.