Former world No.5 is set to finish her singles career at the end of Roland-Garros 2025
©Julien Crosnier / FFTWith a Roland-Garros title and a collection of finals in the books, this trip to Paris is set to be Sara Errani’s last adventure in singles competition.
If so, Tuesday’s gritty 0-6, 7-6(4), 6-2 qualifying comeback over Jule Niemeier encapsulated the career of the Italian who has squeezed every last drop from her crafty, subtle, all-court game.
“6-0, 5-2 down, I just tried to stay in there,” said the 38-year-old. “I was thinking after the first set the score didn’t feel fair.
“I don’t know how I did it, I just kept fighting in every point. I’m really happy for the win and to get another singles match here.”
Still relishing the puzzle presented between the confines of a tennis court, Errani feels the duel discipline of singles and doubles is now too much to take.
“[This will be my last singles event] almost for sure - not 100 per cent. I will see how it goes with the ranking, maybe Wimbledon, but 99 per cent it’s my last singles,” teased Errani.
“It’s a very special place for me to finish, it’s maybe my best tournament of my career. It’s a perfect end, it’s really nice. I’m really thankful for the crowd today, they made it extra special.
“At the start of the year I decided it’s my last season for singles. Last year was too tough to do both. I’m too old to do all that again!
“Doing both singles and doubles is draining, physically and mentally it’s so tough. It’s all about a balance and for me the priority is on the doubles and mixed. I’m still enjoying it a lot.”
After 689 singles victories and counting, Errani has collected nine career titles. The Italian’s finest fortnight came at Roland-Garros 2012, when she dismissed four Grand Slam champions – Ana Ivanovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Angelique Kerber and Sam Stosur – to chalk up a final spot on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
©Julien Crosnier / FFTMaria Sharapova stole away the silverware 6-3, 6-2, however, Errani returned to centre stage at RG 2012 to claim doubles glory alongside her countrywoman Roberta Vinci.
Since then, Errani has completed the career Golden Slam in doubles, which was sealed alongside Jasmine Paolini on these very grounds at the Paris 2024 Olympics last summer.
“Well it’s too far away to have many memories from [2012],” joked Errani. “I’m very happy, very proud of what I achieved in my singles career, with so many years on the tour. It’s not easy at all to stay at the top.
“I always say I’m in debt to tennis because it has made me feel so many emotions.
“I have more memories fresh from last year here in the Olympics and in the [Roland-Garros] doubles final. They mean a lot to me. Of course it’s really nice to be back here.”
Errani is referring to the Roland-Garros 2024 doubles final, when the Italian duo just missed out in two tight sets to Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova.
Errani is somewhat a mentor for Paolini and is beaming with praise for her fellow Italian, who won singles and doubles (with Errani) on home clay in Rome last weekend.
“Yeah we speak a lot about tennis, tactically I try to help her a little bit. But she can do it herself, especially now she’s with [new coach] Marc [Lopez],” added Errani.
“It’s amazing to be by her side. She’s such a good person, such an amazing player, even if I can help her one per cent, I’m happy about that.
“Everybody has their own time to get the results, there isn’t a rule to do it all at 18 or 20 years old. She’s in her time and she’s doing so good now.”
The Roland-Garros 2025 Opening Week is shaping up nicely! Tickets are still available to come and support the future stars and watch training sessions with the biggest names on the WTA and ATP tours.
Click HERE to buy your tickets on the official Roland-Garros 2025 ticketing website
ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
