Gabriella Sabatina:I’m a former US Open champion.. now I have my own perfume line and my niece dates Lionel Messi’s team-mate

In the annals of tennis history, Gabriela Sabatini’s triumph at the 1990 US Open stands as an enduring symbol of excellence. Hailing from Argentina, Sabatini burst onto the international tennis stage at a mere 15 years old, displaying a precocious talent that belied her youth as she reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros five years prior. However, it was her resounding victory over Steffi Graf in the 1990 US Open finals that cemented her legacy.

Despite numerous encounters on the court, where Graf emerged victorious 11 out of 12 times, Sabatini always held admiration for her rival, crediting Graf for pushing her to be a better player and forging a lasting friendship off the court.

Despite winning the US Open at the tender age of 20, Sabatini’s career took an unexpected turn. While many anticipated a plethora of major titles in her future, Sabatini chose to retire from professional tennis at just 26. Her decision was rooted in a profound understanding of her own motivations and the desire for self-determination. Sabatini’s remarkable popularity on the tour even led to a rose being named after her in 1992. Post-retirement, she successfully ventured into the world of fragrances, expanding her brand internationally and diversifying into watches and fashion collections.

In recent years, Sabatini has made a notable return to the tennis scene, participating in legends’ events at grand slams and even partnering with the likes of Rafael Nadal for exhibition matches. Her enduring influence on the sport is evident in her close relationship with current Argentine tennis star Diego Schwartzman, who speaks warmly of her impact on the tennis community. Furthermore, Sabatini’s family lineage includes her famous niece, Oriana Sabatini, an accomplished singer, model, and actress in Argentina who is romantically linked with soccer sensation Paulo Dybala, a member of Lionel Messi’s World Cup-winning Argentina squad.

As the tennis world anticipates the upcoming US Open, Gabriela Sabatini’s presence remains a cherished and influential part of the sport’s history. Her enduring legacy, both as a player and a businesswoman, continues to inspire new generations of athletes and entrepreneurs alike.