Most Grand Slam champions give themselves a couple of days’ rest after winning a major title, some might even go on holiday. That wasn’t the case from one recent French Open winner, who just days after triumphing at Roland-Garros, was back competing in a completely different sport.
Introducing Sara Errani, a seasoned Italian tennis player, who waltzed to victory in the women’s doubles event at this year’s French Open, alongside partner Jasmine Paolini. The Italian duo beat Aleksandra Krunic and Anna Danilina in Sunday’s final, winning 4-6, 6-2, 1-6 against the pair from Serbia and Kazakhstan.
It’s another feather in the cap of Errani and Paolini, who have emerged as one of the top pairings in the women’s doubles game, having also tasted victory in the same discipline at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. What’s more, Errani also took the mixed doubles title as well, winning the tournament with compatriot Andrea Vavassori. But it would appear Errani isn’t content with mastering one sport, given she’s also a professional padel player.
She swapped her tennis racket for a slightly smaller and chunkier padel one this week, when she competed at the historic Foro Italico tournament – one of the most prestigious on the circuit. Commenting on the switch, she explained: “After winning two Grand Slam titles in Paris, I can’t wait to get to Rome, where we will try to win another one, this time in padel. I have a flight tonight and will start training right away, trying to recover my energy as best I can.”
Padel has taken the sporting world by storm in recent years, originally starting out as a recreational alternative to tennis, with big names and big cash prizes having since followed. Among those involved in the sport is tennis icon Andy Murray, who became a co-owner of a padel team earlier this year.
Speaking at the time, Murray lauded the impact padel has had, pointing towards its physical and social benefits. He explained: “I invested in Game4Padel a few years ago to help try and grow the sport in the UK – it’s already huge in South America, the Middle East and parts of Europe.
“I love the fact it’s easy to play, fun and social, so it will get people of all ages and abilities picking up a racket and giving it a go. I’m working with friends of mine at AD Global Sports, and together we’ll have fun over the next few years as we build a successful team and competition, while also helping grow the sport.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk