Former Roland Garros champion Francesca Schiavone talked about her recovery from cancer, her past career and her friendly relationship to Flavia Pennetta during an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport Magazine Sport Week.
“It was the hardest battle in my career. There is nothing to compare with tennis. Fear has remained, when I have to face medical checks. This situation will remain for some years. It is not easy to describe this feeling. It is hard to think that I could face this illness again. The first person to know that I was ill was my sister Virginia. The most emotional feeling is that I am now healthy. This gives me a better feeling than at 2010 Roland Garros, where I won Roland Garros in 2010. I remember the moment when I kissed the court after the final against Sam Stosur. It was beautiful because for a few seconds it was just me and the clay. The following year, in the final against Li Na, the chair referee called a ball good for Li Na. The ball was clearly out. You can also see from the pictures. I want haywire and lost the game, we could go to the third set. I never asked for everything. I hope she was convinced of that call”, said Schiavone.
Schiavone said that she became close with Flavia Pennetta during her battle with cancer.
“I have never had friends in tennis. I have known Flavia Pennetta since she was little. Our relationship has grown over the years, but true and beautiful friendship was born this year. I was facing chemiotherapy while Flavia was waitingfor her daughter Farah. We were experiencing the same physical reactions, which however were due to very different reactions, which however were due to two very different things”, said Schiavone.
Schiavone said that she would like to have a child in the future, but will have to wait for the moment.
“I would also like a child, but for obvious reasons now I had to put aside the hyposetis. We will see in a few years, meanwhile I would like to work in tennis again”.
