Francesca Schiavone has stolen the limelight at the Hobart International, but it wasn’t due to her loss. It was what she said following her match.
Embarking on her last campaign at the Hobart International, her bid ended in disappointment after suffering a 6-3, 6-2, loss to Croatia’s Jana Fett in the first round.
The 2010 French Open champion secured her place in the event after being granted a wildcard. Facing a player 16 years younger than her, the Italian struggled to find consistency and rhythm on the court as she hit 6 double faults and only won 46% of her service points.
“I mistake too much … it was not easy for me to find a good rhythm,” Schiavone told reporters after the match.
Shortly after her loss to Fett, who missed nine months of the 2016 season due to wrist surgery, Schiavone revealed her future plans. After organizers mistakenly confirmed her retirement at the French Open last year, she confirmed that it will be this year when she will end her career.
“This is my last year of tennis … that’s why I’m upset (I) didn’t give the best here,” Schiavone said.
“This year I want to give everything that (I’ve) learned in the last 19 years.”
Since turning professional in 1998, the 36-year-old has won 7 WTA titles, including one major. Peaking at a high of 4th in the world in 2011, Schiavone has now dropped to 102nd place. In recent years she has struggled to challenge the best in the world due to a lack of consistency, but did manage to end her three-year title drought at the 2016 Rio Open.
“In life I think I’ve arrived at the time to take the decision,” she said.
“This sport is a drug for me, I love to play this sport.”
Schiavone has just managed to gain direct entry into this month’s Australian Open in what will be her final appearance in Melbourne. The upcoming event will be her 65th appearance in a major tournament. Only five women have played in more grand slam tournaments than Schiavone in the history of Women’s tennis.
WTA singles titles won by Francesca Schiavone
| 2016 | Rio Open (CL); |
| 2013 | Marrakech (CL); |
| 2012 | Strasbourg (CL); |
| 2010 | Barcelona (CL); French Open (CL); |
| 2009 | Moscow (IH); |
| 2007 | Bad Gastein (CL); |
