Italian · Milan, Italy · Born 23 June 1980Francesca Schiavone is an Italian former professional tennis player who became the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title, at the 2010 French Open.
Francesca Schiavone was born on 23 June 1980 in Milan, Italy, to Francesco, and Luiscita, a doctor, and turned professional in 1998, developing into one of the most tactically astute and technically distinctive players of her generation, renowned as one of the last elite women's players to use a one-handed backhand. Schiavone endured a difficult start to her career in WTA finals, losing her first eight before finally breaking through, and went on to win eight titles across her career. Her signature achievement came at the 2010 French Open, three weeks shy of her 30th birthday, where she defeated Samantha Stosur in the final to become the first Italian woman ever to win a Grand Slam singles title. Schiavone reached a second French Open final in 2011, losing to Li Na, and at the 2011 Australian Open played in the longest women's singles match in Grand Slam history at the time, defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 1-6, 16-14 over four hours and 44 minutes. She helped Italy win the Fed Cup three times between 2006 and 2010. Schiavone retired in 2018, and revealed in 2019 that she had been diagnosed with cancer, undergoing successful chemotherapy treatment and being declared free of the disease. She has since opened a bistro and a tennis academy, Schiavone Team Lab, in her home city of Milan, and remains, to date, the last one-handed backhand player to win a Grand Slam women's singles title.
First Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title
She was the first Italian woman to win Roland Garros in 2010 — five years before Pennetta's US Open, making her Italy's true Grand Slam pioneer.
Did You Know?How They Played
Schiavone was known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful groundstrokes from both wings. She possessed excellent court coverage and was particularly effective on clay courts, where her sliding ability and heavy topspin shots proved most advantageous. Her game was characterized by her fighting spirit and ability to construct points tactically.
Lasting Impact
Schiavone broke new ground for Italian women's tennis by becoming the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title. Her French Open victory in 2010 inspired a generation of Italian tennis players and elevated the profile of women's tennis in Italy.
Career Honours
- French Open 2010
- multiple Fed Cup titles with Italy
Italian Athletes