“I can’t play until I’m 50”: Sara Errani opens up on balancing doubles career and coaching Jasmine Paolini
WTASaturday, 25 July 2026 at 01:00
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.”
Read also
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Read also
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Can someone please tell Stubbs to STFU? This is not a match commentating situation (where she also cannot shut her mouth; not even for a second). This is BIOLOGY. Look it up, before you next bless us with your lack of wisdom. Better yet... have that male Olympic boxer in Algeria throw a "female" punch at you and let us know how that goes.
mandoist24-07-2026 - This testing should have been done years ago as a prerequisite to competing in any male or female sport. Safety First -- Biology Rules!!mandoist21-07-2026
- Poor Aaron has been so bothered, for so long, by this possibility of proving one is NOT a male in a female sport that his list of unproven, unsupported claims is laughable. Claiming "privacy" and "Rights" is nothing short of lame. I challenge Mr. Solomon to take advantage of his "Right" to take a punch from that Algerian "female" boxer (whom failed testing -- and subsequently continues to play the system). This is the one who has injured several female opponents. WTA should absolutely not receive any credit for this common sense ruling!!! They have finally been forced to do so by the IOC. Imagine, after far too many years and injuries by males hurting females, "gender equality" comes to the sport of tennis (females competing with genuine biological females).mandoist21-07-2026
- Hurry on back Carlos! We miss you!!Rapunzel17-07-2026
- Well done to the author of this article!! A meltdown is what Coco experienced at the US Open the year she was chirping at her box, very near to tears, double faults were in great supply and she simply could not get a handle on that match. THAT AP is a meltdown!!Rapunzel12-07-2026
- This sensible approach helped Muchova... and look where she will find herself tomorrow (Wimbledon Final). Iga's wise to escape... especially to Nature and so. The wilderness (forests, lakes, mountains) has been my "Church" and escape from The Noise since I was a kid. She'll do well in the end.mandoist10-07-2026
- "Like if it was hotter, I probably would have won, I'm not gonna lie." Geezus...mandoist08-07-2026
- This one has totally lost the plot. She is about to cross the racism line in her hatred for Russian people. NEWSFLASH DARLING -- Russian majority of citizens (and your ex-Colleagues whom you shamed) are not who you should be aiming at. Grow up.mandoist08-07-2026
- Why do all these "experts" feel the need to publicly "tell players" what they need to do, or what they're doing wrong?? How about this -- if you're so concerned with a player's situation actually take the time to contact the team in question and talk directly to them. Yapping in public media is rarely, if ever, helpful.mandoist07-07-2026
- Gee... preferential treatment all the way to the end? STOP IT WTA & WIMPLEDON !!! This entire WILLIAMS CHARADE is 100% unfair to young upcoming players who legitimately earned a shot at a Wildcard. The whole scenario with these freebies to The Williams' is pathetic and barely within the rules (which have been bent like a pretzel to accomodate them). The lamest excuse this time is "...she is a top draw". How does that apply to Wimbledon which is sold-out in advance? Stop enabling this abhorrent "Look at me" behavior. If they want to make believe they can compete -- LET THEM PLAY QUAILIFIERS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.mandoist06-07-2026
Loading