Gabriela Sabatini, the renowned Argentine tennis legend, recently returned to Roland-Garros to compete in the Trophée des Légendes for the first time. Despite feeling both happy and nervous about her return to this prestigious event, Sabatini fondly reminisced about her past experiences on the Parisian clay courts during a press conference. In her reflections, she acknowledged the significant changes the stadium has undergone while appreciating the enduring charm of the city of Paris.
Sabatini’s memories of Roland-Garros are filled with notable achievements. She vividly recalls her first visit to the tournament as a junior player, where she emerged victorious, creating a cherished memory. Furthermore, her debut as a professional player at Roland-Garros led her to the semi-finals, where she faced the formidable Chris Evert, marking another remarkable moment in her career.
For the Trophée des Légendes, Sabatini formed a doubles partnership with fellow Argentine Gisela Dulco. In preparation for this competition, she diligently trained and even shared glimpses of her training routine on social media. Her program included a mix of activities such as running, cycling, muscle strengthening, and, of course, tennis practice to ensure she was competitive.
While Sabatini acknowledges that her competitive spirit remains within, her primary goal at this stage is to please herself and the audience. She recognizes that while the years have passed, the desire to showcase quality tennis still lingers.
Reflecting on the evolution of women’s tennis, Sabatini admires the current high level of play among female athletes. She notes that the landscape has shifted from eras dominated by a few players to one where all competitors possess power and potent serves. She specifically praises Iga Swiatek, the reigning world No. 1, for her remarkable consistency and focus.
When asked about her favorite player to watch, Sabatini expresses her admiration for Ons Jabeur. She finds Jabeur’s style of play to be captivating and appreciates her tactical prowess. Sabatini believes that the presence of such talented players bodes well for the future of women’s tennis, as it inspires new generations of athletes in this international sport.
In conclusion, Gabriela Sabatini’s return to Roland-Garros for the Trophée des Légendes is a momentous occasion filled with nostalgia and excitement. Her enduring love for the game and her appreciation of the evolving landscape of women’s tennis demonstrate her continued passion for the sport and its future prospects.
