Retired for 27 years, the Argentine Gabriela Sabatini She is an outstanding spectator in women’s tennis, one of the great references in the history of Hologic WTA Tour who is 50 years old this year.
the player of Buenos Aires, 53 years old, starred in epic duels with the German Steffi Graf or with Serbian Monica Seles. It also rivals the Spanish Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and Conchita Martinez. Even in the legendary Martina Navratilova.
In a few weeks the US Open, where he achieved his most important title, his only one grand slam, in 1990, with two masters women, also in New York, and a Olympic Silver, in Seoul 1988.
Gabriela Sabatini he answers the phone, in Switzerland, his habitual residence, at the EFE Agency where he is giving an interview.
Question: How is Gabriela Sabatini’s life?
Answer: “I have several activities. Some are related to tennis, others not so much. I have perfumes for many years. Then I do different things around tennis. Some companies I work for. I’m pretty busy most of the time.”
Q: You have been retired for 27 years. He is an avid tennis watcher. What differences do you see between tennis in your time and now?
A: “I think the development of generations and the technology is also changing. Everything is evolving. Now there is a very strong game for both women and men. Perhaps less diversity is seen in women’s game. But the truth is they’ve been hit hard and the bodies have changed too. They’re stronger, they’re doing different aspects and that’s the difference”.
Q: You’ve been retired from the tracks for a long time, but do you miss the circuit or the competition?
A: “The truth is that my decision to stop playing was very thoughtful and I took the time to think that it was the right decision and it was. I took the time to think about it. And because I decided to stop playing , the truth is that I never miss going to a court. Yes, as a spectator and maybe what I miss are some places, some tournaments, the people… but being on a tennis court again I don’t felt what I wanted. there you are again.”
Q: In any case, you always have a particular connection with exhibitions or charity events.
A: “Yes. That was always present. In fact I did exhibitions after playing. I had never held a racket and five or six years old I played again, an exhibition. Then the same thing happened. I always played from time to time. In in fact, last year the legends invited me to play at Roland Garros and I play there more often. I’m happy to be there again at Roland Garros and see players from my time who are great friends now and for me it will continue to be a great tennis family”.
Q: “Fifty years have passed since the creation of the Hologic WTA Tour. What do you think the progress has been made during this time?
A: “Well, the equality of prizes is a very important thing and the situation is more equalized than that. It is something that has been achieved with a lot of work and that has been achieved through many hours and many years of constant struggle so that the women are in the same place. The effort, the work, the sacrifice is the same as men and that’s why women also deserve to be equal.
That is the most important, the economic aspect because from that many things became possible. The number of tournaments and competitions today is amazing. In fact, in Argentina, the economic situation is quite difficult and now many tournaments are held and it helps local players a lot because they find it difficult to compete or travel abroad due to the difference in the exchange rate and the presence of competition within the country . they improve their level and are not much different from others.”
Q: What aspects remain to be done to achieve more equality between men’s and women’s tennis?
A: “I think, from the promotion, the publicity of the contagion. All this drives people to consume more tennis and from there you have to work. To take advantage of the good players in the world ranking to promote tennis and make it reach everywhere. It has to be a sport of the masses and the famous. So it’s a lot of work to promote it and bring it to the whole world.”
Q: Will the merger of ATP and WTA be a big step forward?
A: “I think it would be a good idea. They are working on it. In fact, more and more tournaments are shared between men and women. It would be good, because they both have the same objectives, they work a little on the same thing and the integration will bring many benefits to tennis.”
Q: Today we see the momentum and strength of women’s football in the World Cup. In this sense, has tennis been a pioneer for women’s sport, has it opened paths?
A: “Yes, definitely. It showed how far girls can go. I follow women’s soccer and the World Cup and the potential and how far it has gone is incredible. The difference lies in the most underdeveloped countries and there the economic issue influences a lot. The fact that in tennis and other sports women show that they can and that they can do it there, it helps a lot in other sports.”
Q: You who lived and starred in epic duels with some of the best players in history like Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, Conchita Martínez… Do you miss duels of that level, of today’s tennis rivalry? ?
A: “Nowadays, the domain of tennis is more changed. Before there was a smaller group of players who dominated the tournaments and now there is more alternation. It is very difficult to know who is number two or number three, but believe me too This can have its advantages because we have seen many players from the East perform very well. Really attractive players to watch. I really like Ons Jabeur, Karolina Muchova too, what Iga Swiatek is doing is unbelievable. number one for a long time. There are really high players and I think that’s good”.
Q: A bit like the ‘Big Three’ in men’s tennis. Do you see a change of arrangement coming to men’s tennis? Do you feel that time is running out?
A: “That situation is difficult. For players of that level to go out and stay for so long. Roger Federer means that. I’ve seen very few players with the mentality of these three and keep it that long. It changes too that’s a lot. The fact that a tennis player’s life can be extended a lot. Roger showed it and Rafa (Nadal) and Novak (Djokovic) showed it, who until long ago were at the same high that level and that’s unimaginable. That’s a big development too”
Q: Is Carlos Alcaraz fresh air for a long time?
A: “Yes. I have seen him play. I saw him in Buenos Aires this year. Everything he does is incredible. At Wimbledon he showed something. The maturity with which he led the match. It is known let’s see what it is like as a tennis player and athlete and how he moves on the court and his mentality. But there, at Wimbledon, he showed more and it was the maturity where he held that match with Djokovic .”
Q: How do you see the conflict between Ukrainian players with Russians and Belarusians? The refusal of Ukrainians to shake hands and greet their opponents.
A: “We are experiencing a difficult situation for everyone. It is something very personal for everyone and it is very difficult to have an opinion. I think sport should not be mixed with politics. But it is something that’s personal and it’s hard to comment on that.”
Q: Regarding Argentine tennis, it seems like a promising new generation is emerging, especially in men’s tennis.
A: “It’s great to see and also for the girls, with players who are performing well, win the challenger tournaments and advance. It’s great to see because it’s the result of all the work done and the competition in Argentina. The result of the work is looking long-term and this is the moment. All these guys are there and I’m very happy to see it. I love to follow them and support them.”
Q: The US Open is coming up. There he lived one of his best moments as a professional when he won the tournament, his only Grand Slam in 1990. An unforgettable memory for you.
A: “My most important achievement. A tournament that for me is unforgettable. Playing in New York is something special. I won the US Open there, two Masters. pleasure. Last year I was there, this year I intend to also go. One always thrives on being there.”
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
