Barely time to savor his second title of the Grand Chelem in doubles at Roland-Garros that Sara Errani takes on a new challenge. In Rome, on the grounds of the Foro Italico, the Italian begins an unexpected parenthesis: her first official appearance on the circuit Premier Padel.

From tennis to padel, without forcing the transition

“I still have this desire to win, even if I know it won't be easy,” confides the Bolognese player, calm but lucid. Used to juggling between disciplines – she often trains padel during her stays in Spain – Errani is entering the competition this time, with a curious and determined spirit.

She will share the track with Giulia Dal Pozzo, a young Italian player she already knows. “She lives near me. We haven't had much time to train together, but I really like her. She's calm and solid, and I can't wait to play with her.”

A path strewn with pitfalls

As soon as they enter the competition, the duo will have to face Sandra Bellver et Maria Rodriguez Abajo, seasoned players on the circuit. In case of victory, a tough second round awaits them against the 2024 finalists Lucia Sainz et Patty Llaguno“I don’t know them yet, I’m going to watch some videos,” admits Errani, aware of the step to take.

A desire for discovery, without denying tennis

Far from presenting herself as a tourist, Errani takes padel seriously. She acknowledges that “the wall is what requires the most adaptation for a tennis player,” and that she is still learning how to position herself correctly. But her desire to learn seems intact. “When I found out I would have a wild card, I was delighted. I immediately told everyone I would be coming.”

Despite this newfound enthusiasm, there's no question of her turning her back on her favorite sport. “Recent results motivate me to continue. As long as I'm playing at this level, it would be a shame to stop,” she emphasizes. But she acknowledges: “doubles is less physically demanding. In singles, the years weigh more heavily.”

A bridge to the Olympic future?

Errani, a gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Games in tennis doubles (with Jasmine Paolini), sees padel as a sport on the rise. “It would be great to see it at the Games. It's a spectacular sport, on the rise. It deserves its place.”

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