(Note: This Biofile was done about ten years ago at the US Open players lounge)
Status: 2015 US Open champion
Ht: 5-7 3/4 Wt: 128
DOB: February 25, 1982 in Brindisi, Italy.
Childhood Heroes: “Superman I think [smiles].
Tennis Inspirations: “I like Capriati and Seles. I had the posters on the wall and I always saw them play and I love [them] so much.â€
Hobbies/Interests: “I love to stay home, to enjoy my home with my family and friends. Because we don’t have a lot of time to stay home. And I also like to go to the cinema — normal things that everyone likes to do.â€
Favorite Movie: “Braveheart.â€
Favorite TV Show: “24.â€
Musical Tastes: “Lauro Boccini. He’s Italian.â€
Early Tennis Memory: “My first match was very funny because I was so nervous on the court. And I went to the hospital, so [laughs]. Not so good. (What happened?) I was down like 6-2 and so nervous and they bring me to the hospital (age 11).â€
Pre-match Feeling: “Well, I think every match I’m very different. It’s when you win some tournaments — it’s very important to you. But I think I remember one match in Rome five years ago against Petrova. It was so good because she was like number 6, I’m number 79, something like that. And I won the match with all the people from Italy to watch the match was very, very good.â€
Favorite Meal: “Pasta.â€
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Haagen Dazs pralines and cream.â€
Greatest Sports Moment: “I think a lot of great moments in my career. But maybe when I won the first tournament in Sopot. I was there alone without coach. Nobody, just me. And it was very exciting moment (d. Koukalova in 2004). And of course winning the Fed Cup for Italy.â€
Most Painful Moment: “In 2000 when I take like a stomach virus. I stop for six months. I didn’t play for six months and it was very hard.â€
Favorite Tournament: “Acapulco. Because the place is very nice. I love the place.â€
Closest Tennis Friends: “Some Italian players like {Francesca] Schiavone, [Maria Elena] Camerin. Also Spanish players like [Anabel] Medina Garrigues.â€
Funniest Players Encountered: “Schiavone, for sure. And Carlos Moya and Rafa (Nadal) [laughs]. (What is it about them? People don’t know they are so funny.) Well, they are a good champion but very normal people.â€
Toughest Competitors: “I think everyone. When you go on the court you have to have respect for everyone I think.â€
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “I don’t have one.â€
Favorite Vacation Spot: “I like to stay home when I have time. Because we don’t stay a lot of time in the home. But also to go to the beach. I love the beach so maybe after this season when we finish, we will go to Mexico. Something like that. We don’t know yet. We have to see.â€
People Qualities Most Admired: “Well, they need to be a good person. They don’t have to lie. I don’t like it. And they have to enjoy the life in every moment I think.â€
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2 comments
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sharoten · September 13, 2015 at 1:34 am
Interesting that her first win was in Sopot in 2004. So was Rafa’s. 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · September 13, 2015 at 7:53 am
Good memory there sharoten, most people don’t know that —