In a match with very good points and a lot of emotion and smiles, Gabriela Sabatini y Gisela Dulko they lost the final of Roland Garros Legends Tournament against the Italians Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta, 6-1, 6-7 (4-7) and 6-10. The Argentines had two match points, but the consecration escaped them, although they never lost their joy and enjoyed this special comeback, in an unusual context for them.
“It’s done, isn’t it? There are no more games, right? Everything was incredible. From the first day the emotions appeared and sharing this with Gisela was special, on and off the field”, said Sabatini, with a full smile. “A very nice group was formed,” both agreed, on ESPN. “Gaby is impeccable, she keeps all the blows very well,” said Dulko, who also received praise from his partner, as if she were still active. The possibility of repeating this experience in other exhibition tournaments was not ruled out by either of them.
Champions and undefeated, Schiavone and Pennetta celebrated the victory and the first of them made an acknowledgment at the microphone for the Argentines, especially with Sabatini, remembering her as a legend among many names of players whom she admired as a child. “When she was a girl she had the Gabriela poster,” Schiavone confessed.
Sabatini and Dulko are seen smiling and happy. They enjoyed the game and they already have their plaques that recognize a very special week. “Thank you for making us feel very good. This generates many emotions for us”, said Gaby, in addition to congratulating the winners. “Every little moment that we live has been a moment of happiness,” he added, involving Gisela in the sentiment. “Francesca and Flavia, I have always followed them throughout their career. They always told me that they were two splendid girls on and off the pitch. I am happy to have shared the field with you!” Sabatini completed.
Schiavone and Pennetta turned the special set, in tie break mode but at 10 points, and became champions, after raising two match points in the second set. Sabatini and Dulko lost the final of the Tournament of Legends 6-1, 6-7 and 6-10.
The Argentines came to lead 5-2 in the set that defines, but the second change of sides has the match tied in everything. They are 6-6.
In the tie break, Pennetta-Schiavone stay with the set and the Women’s Legends Tournament will be defined in the third quarter. After 47 minutes, they won 7-6 (7-4).
There is a tie break in the second set, after another great point in which the Italians defended very well at the back of the court. Dulko missed the smash at the net when the Argentines were on match point for the second time.
The Italian Flavia Pennetta needed some massages and a bandage, just before serving 5-6. There was laughter after the medical attention for some words that were exchanged, in jest, about the patient.
Dulko’s forehand went just wide on the first match point the Argentines had. The Italians resist. The game is 5-5.
The Argentine couple went up 5-4 in the second set and forced the Italians to hold serve. Schiavone will go to the service.
The Argentines went up 4-3 in what was the best play of the match. Before Dulko’s definition at the net, the ball came and went from one side to the other, with various touches, blows and throws that came forced to provoke applause from the stands of the second most important field of Roland Garros.
After giving up Dulko’s serve and falling behind, the Argentines added points two in a row, recovered the break and are leading 3-2 in the second set.
With the second set tied at 1-1 and Sabatini on serve, Gaby went for a long ball and attempted a “Great Willy” from the back of the court. He managed to get it between her legs, but the return didn’t lift enough to clear the net. Likewise, there was applause for the luxury attempt of the 52-year-old Argentine.
Pennetta’s lob over Sabatini goes long and the Argentine couple closes the first set by breaking the Italian. After the initial 6-1 in 26 minutes, Dulko will start in the second set.
The Italians broke Sabatini when Gabriela went to serve for the first time and immediately the Argentines took revenge with Schiavone. The lead is now 4-1.
Although it is a final, the players are relaxed: there are smiles, complicit looks, good rival points are recognized with a gesture and there are… even hugs! like the one that Dulko met with Schiavone after the Italian resolved a point to the body of the Argentine.
Sabatini and Dulko are firm and are already winning 3-0. They broke the serve of both rivals and, in addition, Gisela held hers.
Sabatini and Dulko broke Schiavone’s serve and took a 1-0 lead in the tournament definition. Gisela will be the first to serve from the Argentines.
Schiavone, at your service. The final of the Tournament of Legends is already being played at Roland Garros with the participation of Sabatini and Dulko.
The two couples are on the court and ready to start the game, after the presentation and the rallies.
Sabatini-Dulko achieved first place in group A thanks to having a better game difference than the Golovin-Tauziat duo (+9 against -2). Meanwhile, in group B the Italians were positioned at the top without taking account: they won their three games.
The Argentine couple made up of Gabriela Sabatini and Gisela Dulko define the Roland Garros Legends Tournament against the Italians Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta in the third turn of the Suzanne-Lenglen court. to qualify had a successful debut with a double 6-3 against Americans Lindsay Davenport and Mary-Joe Fernandezlost 6-4 and 6-4 against the French Tatiana Golovin and Nathalie Tauziat, and won 6-4 and 6-1 against the Croatian Iva Majoli and the French Mary Pierce in the group stage.