- Former World No.4 and 2010 Roland Garros champion to end illustrious career
- Became first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam title and reach the WTA Top 5
Italy’s Francesca Schiavone announced today that she is retiring from professional tennis following a trophy-laden career, including eight WTA singles titles and seven WTA doubles titles.
Schiavone became the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles titles at 2010 Roland Garros, and shortly after became the first Italian to reach the WTA Top 5, earning a career-high singles ranking of WTA World No.4 in January 2011.
“I say goodbye to tennis with my heart,” said Schiavone. “When I was 18-years-old I had two dreams – first was to win Roland Garros and second was to become Top 10 in the world. I accomplished that so I am happy and lucky.”
The Italian leaves the game having played 22 seasons since making her debut on the ITF Circuit in her home country in 1996. She played her last professional match in July at the 2018 Ladies Championship Gstaad by Ixion Services.
Click here to read more on Schiavone’s memorable career.
