One Italian resigns definitively, another declares her resignation: Roberta Vinci and Francesca Schiavone go in different directions.
It looks as if the organisers of the Italian Open in Rome will once again have the chance to pay tribute to Francesca Schiavone: in the past season, the 2010 French Open winner had asked for a Wilcard for the biggest tournament in her home country, especially since she wanted to end her career at the end of the season. At that time, Schiavone’s question was polite, but determined and above all negative. Alongside Maria Sharapova and Sara Errani, Deborah Chiesa was given a fixed seat in the main tableau.
But what seemed to be a farewell tour now only turned out to be another season in the illustrious career of Francesca Schiavone, who finished the year 2017 in 92nd position. After all, the 37-year-old announced via Instagram that she intends to compete at the Australian Open in early January. Inspired by Roger Federer and the Williams sisters.
I am sure that Rome will be my last tournament, even if I make it into the top ten once again,”said Roberta Vinci, USA Open’s 2015 finalist in La Gazzetta dello Sport,” I’m focused on the next six months and I’ll stay focused on tennis after my career. I would like to teach tennis and pass on my passion for our sport” A career as a TV expert would be out of the question for her, Vinci continues.
I’ve never played particularly well in Rome,”Vinci said,” because I don’t like the surface and because I had put myself under pressure in front of my home audience. I hope I can reverse this trend.”