Francesca Schiavone

Francesca Schiavone is an Italian former professional tennis player who had a career-high singles ranking of World No. 11, reached in January 2011. She also has a career-high doubles ranking of World Number 14.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Francesca Schiavone was born on June 23, 1980, in Milan, Italy, where she also resided throughout her career. Standing 166 cm tall, Francesca Schiavone played right-handed with a one-handed backhand—making her the last woman to win a Grand Slam singles title with that technique.

Her father, Franco, hails from Manocalzati in southern Italy, and her mother, Luiscita Minelli, is from Bornato in northern Italy. She retired in 2017. Throughout her career, she has earned more than US$5 Million in prize money.

Career

Schiavone turned professional in 1998 and steadily climbed the WTA rankings through the early 2000s.

She reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2003 US Open and became a fixture in the world’s top 30. Schiavone’s career was defined by her clay-court performances and her signature one-handed backhand, a rarity in women’s tennis.

Her greatest triumph came at the 2010 French Open, where, as the No. 17 seed, she defeated top players including Caroline Wozniacki and [[Samantha Stosur to win her maiden Grand Slam singles title—the first for an Italian woman.

Schiavone defended her run with a return to the final in 2011, finishing as runner-up to Li Na. She also reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open (2011), Wimbledon (2009), and the US Open (2003, 2010).

Francesca Schiavone was a key member of Italy’s Fed Cup-winning teams in 2006, 2009, and 2010, and holds the record for most match wins for the Italian team.

In doubles, Francesca Schiavone reached a career-high ranking of No. 8, winning seven WTA titles and reaching the finals at Roland Garros in 2008 and the semifinals at all other Grand Slams. She was also a semifinalist at the WTA Tour Finals in doubles.

Schiavone announced her retirement at the 2018 US Open and later began coaching, including working with Petra Martić.

Career Record

Singles

• Career Titles: 8
• Highest Singles Ranking: No. 4 (January 31, 2011)
• Career Record: 614–479

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – Quarterfinals (2011)
• Roland Garros (French Open) – Winner (2010), Finalist (2011)
• Wimbledon Championships – Quarterfinals (2009)
• US Open – Quarterfinals (2003, 2010)

Other Tournaments

• WTA Tour Finals – Round Robin (2010)
• Olympic Games – Quarterfinals (2004)
• Fed Cup – Winner (2006, 2009, 2010), record 27–22

Doubles

• Career Titles: 7
• Highest Doubles Ranking: No. 8 (February 12, 2007)
• Career Record: 224–205

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – Semifinals (2009)
• Roland Garros (French Open) – Finalist (2008)
• Wimbledon Championships – Semifinals (2012)
• US Open – Semifinals (2006)

Other Tournaments

• WTA Tour Finals – Semifinals (2006)
• Olympic Games – Quarterfinals (2008)