Winning a Grand Slam is considered the highest achievement in tennis, but some players are never able to repeat their triumphs. However, that doesn’t mean they are not part of history. Many “one-Slam wonders” include iconic names such as Gastón Gaudio and the beloved Jana Notvona. Meanwhile, others become legends of their country, such as Francesca Schiavone.
The Italian made headlines in 2010 when she became the first woman from her country to win a Grand Slam singles title. Known for her clay-court strength and rare one-handed backhand in the WTA Tour, she followed her French Open title with another final appearance in 2011.
Schiavone turned professional in 1998 and competed for over 20 seasons. She reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 4 in January 2011 and made 70 Grand Slam main draw appearances. Few players matched her durability or consistency across two decades on tour.
Roland Garros champion and a historic marathon
Schiavone’s biggest achievement came at Roland Garros in 2010, where she defeated Samantha Stosur in the final to win the French Open. “I wanted to win Roland Garros and become top 10,” she later told The Sit Down podcast. “That was the goal in my heart.”
Schiavone celebrates her Roland Garros win in 2010 (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The win not only made her the first Italian to achieve a singles Grand Slam title, she also broke Jana Novona’s record to become the oldest first time female Grand Slam champion in the Open Era three weeks before turning 30 years old.
see also
She was World No. 2, won two Grand Slams, beat Serena Williams and holds two unique WTA records
She nearly defended her title in 2011 but lost the final to Li Na. Across her career, Schiavone compiled a 40–17 record at Roland Garros and reached the second week of the tournament seven times. Her clay-court record remains one of the strongest among her generation.
In 2011, she also played the longest recorded women’s singles match at a Grand Slam, defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova 6–4, 1–6, 16–14 in 4 hours and 44 minutes at the Australian Open. “Was a fight over the limits, both of us,” she told The Sit Down. “The day after, I couldn’t walk.”
Career titles and national success in the Fed Cup
Schiavone finished her career with eight WTA singles titles — including Roland Garros — and seven runner-up finishes. In doubles, she reached a career-high ranking of No. 8 and was a finalist at the 2008 French Open.
She was also a cornerstone of Italy’s Fed Cup success. Representing her country, Schiavone helped secure three Fed Cup titles in 2006, 2009, and 2010. She holds the Italian record for most overall wins in the competition.
(L-R) Flavia Pennetta, Roberta Vinci, Sara Errani and Francesca Schiavone of Italy pose with the trophy following their Fed Cup team victory in 2010 (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Her style stood out in an era of baseline power. With a one-handed backhand and creative point construction, she often succeeded against more physically dominant players. She retired with 614 match wins across singles and doubles.
Life after tennis and return from illness
Schiavone announced her retirement at the 2018 US Open, closing a 20-year professional career. “I tried to do something that for me is very important, to leave something in this sport,” she said at the time. Her next goal: coaching at the highest level.
In 2019, she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer but had completed chemotherapy. “I fought a tough battle and now I am still breathing. I have won this fight,” she shared on social media. In a later interview with the WTA, she said, “I’m healthy now. What happened, happened. For now, I’m fantastic.”
Schiavone in 2022 (Giorgio Perottino/Getty Images for Torino Turismo)
After playing professionally, she started coaching and has worked with players like Caroline Wozniacki and Petra Martić. As of January 2025, she is coaching young Austrian player Lilli Tagger. “I want to be a good coach for the next generation,” she said in 2024 to The Sit Down podcast. “And to enjoy life, even if I’m always running.”
Schiavone’s Grand Slam win may define her in headlines, but her full legacy includes national team glory, career longevity, and a determined return from illness… All built on the same resilience that once took her to the top.
