Francesca Schiavone

Francesca Schiavone, born on June twenty-third, nineteen eighty, is a distinguished Italian former professional tennis player. Renowned for her remarkable achievements, she reached career-high rankings of world No. 4 in women's singles and No. 8 in women's doubles, as recognized by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).

Among her notable accomplishments, Schiavone clinched eight WTA Tour-level singles titles, including a historic victory at the two thousand ten French Open, making her the first Italian woman to win a singles major. She remains the last player to win a major women's title with a one-handed backhand.

Schiavone's prowess on the court was further highlighted by her performance as a runner-up in singles at the two thousand eleven French Open and in women's doubles at the two thousand eight French Open. Her contributions to the Italian national team were significant, helping Italy secure the Fed Cup in two thousand six, two thousand nine, and two thousand ten, while holding the record for the most match wins for the team.

In a remarkable display of endurance, she played the longest women's singles match at a major, defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova in a grueling four-hour and forty-four-minute battle during the fourth round of the two thousand eleven Australian Open.

After announcing her retirement from professional tennis at the two thousand eighteen US Open, Schiavone expressed her aspirations to win a major title as a coach. In April two thousand twenty-one, she began her coaching journey with Petra Martić, continuing her legacy in the sport.