Sara Errani: "Padel brings positive things to my tennis"

Just a few days after winning the title in mixed doubles at Roland-Garros , Sara Errani was already back on the padel courts. Invited by the organization of the P1 of Valence The Italian woman was eliminated in the first round alongside her compatriot. Martina Parmigiani Facing Virginia Riera et Teresa Navarro 6 / 4 6 / 4.

In an interview with Brand , the former finalist of Roland Garros In singles, she revisited her passion for padel, a sport she has practiced for many years alongside her tennis career.

A passion born in Valence

If his presence at a tournament Premier Padel It may surprise some tennis fans, but Sara Errani is no newcomer to the circuit. The Italian has already played in several tournaments. FIP et Premier Padel ces dernières années.

A story that began in Valencia , the city where she has been training for over twenty years .

“Padel has always been a part of my life. My coach played a little and we often went onto the court for fun. Even today, when I come back to Valencia, I play almost every day.”

Even during his travels on the circuit WTA Errani regularly takes her pala with her in order to take advantage of the available facilities.

Sara Errani, from Roland-Garros to padel: “When I stop playing tennis, I want to devote myself fully to padel”

"The hardest part is the windows."

Accustomed to the highest level of world tennis The Italian player acknowledges that some specific aspects of padel remain difficult to master.

"Defending is what I find most difficult. My instinct always pushes me to move towards the ball. Accepting to let it pass in order to use the glass isn't natural when you come from tennis."

Conversely, the volleying He seems more familiar with it thanks to his extensive experience in doubles on the professional circuit.

Despite this, Errani is aware of the gap that still separates her from the best players on the circuit:

"The current level is very high. I wanted to see where I stood and I know I still have a lot to learn."

Sara Errani: "Padel brings positive things to my tennis."

Le padel, a model of innovation?

The Italian also has a very positive view of the evolution of the professional padel .

"Padel is growing tremendously, it continues to progress, and it's a very beautiful sport."

According to her, one of the strengths of this discipline lies in its ability to adapt quickly to the public's expectations.

She cites in particular the "golden point" , used at 40A, which she would like to see introduced in tennis:

"Padel is more innovative. It's a rule I love and would like to see tested in tennis."

For Errani, tennis sometimes remains a prisoner of its history, whereas padel benefits from greater freedom to evolve its rules.

Star Point makes its debut on FIP Promises: the starting gun for a new scoring format

"Every sport has its qualities."

When asked about the rivalry sometimes maintained between the worlds of tennis and padel, Sara Errani rejects any form of hierarchy.

"Some tennis players might see padel as a little brother, but I don't agree with that. Every discipline has its strengths and weaknesses."

She also applies this argument to the criticisms sometimes leveled against the doubles in tennis or padel.

"I see no point in devaluing the work of other athletes."

A future still shared between the two disciplines

For now, the old Olympic gold medalist does not plan to give up tennis for padel.

The circuit calendar WTA remains very demanding, but she hopes to continue to participate occasionally in padel tournaments when the dates allow.

Especially since she finds it directly beneficial to her tennis.

"Padel helps me work on lobs, volley transitions, and understand the game from a different perspective. It brings positive things to my tennis."

A statement that perfectly sums up Sara Errani's relationship with padel: much more than just a hobby, a true complement to her professional playing career

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!