“I can’t play until I’m 50”: Sara Errani opens up on balancing doubles career and coaching Jasmine Paolini

Saturday, 25 July 2026 at 01:00

Paolini and Errani holding their fourth WTA 1000 trophy together

Sara Errani is living one of the most unusual situations in modern tennis, combining her career as an active doubles player with an increasingly important role as Jasmine Paolini’s coach. The Italian veteran continues competing at the highest level while also helping one of the WTA Tour’s leading singles players with tactical preparation and match planning.

At 39 years old, Errani continues adding milestones to an extraordinary career. The former world No. 5 recently captured her 10th Grand Slam title after successfully defending her Roland Garros mixed doubles crown alongside Andrea Vavassori, proving she remains competitive while taking on responsibilities that usually belong to a full-time coach.

Her partnership with Paolini has become one of the most fascinating stories in women’s tennis. Beyond being doubles partners, Errani has become an important figure behind the scenes as Paolini continues her rise among the elite players on the WTA Tour.

Despite the demanding schedule, Errani is enjoying both sides of the sport. “Honestly, it’s difficult to say right now. I obviously can’t keep playing until I’m 50, but at the moment I’m focused and happy to be able to dedicate myself to both things,” she told Corriere Romagna. “There are tiring days, but I love this sport, I enjoy it so much, and I have a lot of fun both being on court and helping Jas.”

“I love tactics”: Errani explains her role helping Paolini’s rise

Errani’s influence has become increasingly visible during Paolini’s breakthrough period. After winning two WTA 1000 titles and reaching two Grand Slam finals over the past two seasons, the Italian looked for new ways to continue improving, with Errani joining her team to provide additional tactical support.

“I love tactics, so I try to talk a lot with her about what we need to do on court and these kinds of things,” Errani explained about their preparation process.

The former Roland Garros finalist has also discovered that coaching requires a completely different mentality compared with competing. While players can release emotions during matches, coaches must remain calm and provide stability from the outside.

“Both are very demanding professions and activities, although they require different levels of effort,” Errani said. “What I have noticed in recent months is that while on court you can sometimes let yourself go, as a coach you always have to stay calm and keep a clear head.”

Although Errani and Paolini have become one of the most recognizable doubles teams on Tour, their partnership experienced some changes during the grass season. The pair were expected to compete together at Wimbledon but withdrew from the women’s doubles event shortly before the tournament.

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Errani still competed at the All England Club, partnering Andrea Vavassori in mixed doubles. The Roland Garros champions entered the draw together but were eliminated in the second round.

“It would be a dream”: Errani discusses Grand Slam goals and LA 2028

Errani’s motivation remains unchanged despite being in the later stages of her career. After winning her 10th Grand Slam title, the Italian reflected on the significance of reaching such a milestone after more than two decades competing professionally.

“Winning my 10th Grand Slam title is something incredible. As I have tried to do throughout my more than 20 years of career, my goal has always been to give everything every day, work on and off the court, and try to improve as a tennis player and as a person,” Errani said.

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The Italian also addressed the possibility of competing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, although she admitted she prefers to focus on the present rather than look too far ahead.

“It would be wonderful, a dream to get there, but there are still two years to go, and that is a long time. At my age, I cannot afford to think too much about the future. I prefer to focus on the present and give everything every day. If there is an opportunity to participate, I will do everything possible to be there,” she added.

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A post shared by Jasmine Paolini (@jasmine_paolini)

Errani also reflected on how women’s tennis has changed, with the modern game becoming increasingly focused on physical strength, speed and power. She believes adapting her style was one of the reasons she managed to remain competitive for so long.

“Throughout my career, I had to make a virtue out of necessity because I was not a tall player, and I can say that I managed to find different ways to win matches,” Errani explained.

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While she has not ruled out future projects, including the possibility of opening a training centre in her hometown of Massa Lombarda, Errani remains focused on competing and helping Paolini continue her rise.

“I don’t rule anything out, but right now I am still focused on being on court. I prefer not to think too much about the long term and focus on the present, on the here and now,” she concluded.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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