10 Things You May Not Know About Sara Errani

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10 Things You May Not Know About Sara Errani

By Erik Gudris

Photo Credit: Getty Images/AFP/Patrick Kovarik

(June 7th, 2012) Italy's Sara Errani may have been in the shadow of her more famous Fed Cup teammates Flavia Pennetta and of course 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, but the 25-year-old Errani is making a name of herself now with her own trip to the finals of this year's event at Roland Garros. But just how well do you know the woman who has surprised the tennis world?

1. Bologna Born: Errani was born on April 29th, 1987 in Bologna, Italy where she still resides. She was introduced to tennis at the age of five by her father Giorgio who works selling fruits and vegetables. Her mother Fulvia is a pharmacist.

2. Early Years: According to her official website, Sara tried other sports including soccer and swimming before settling on tennis. At the age of 12, she travelled to the U.S. for the first time to train at the Nick Bollettieri Academy even though she didn't speak a word of English.

3. Gained in Spain: Though she became the best Italian player under 18, Errani ended up training in Spain because she received more support there than from Italian tennis officials. Perhaps that's why her favorite player is David Ferrer.

4. Making a Point: Errani turned pro in 2002 but it took her until 2008 to win her first WTA titles in Palermo and Potoroz. After winning in Potoroz, Errani said, "...I want to dedicate this victory to all the Italians that never believed in me as a tennis player, and always said I would never go anywhere."

5. Best Year Ever: In 2012, Errani won three clay court titles including Acapulco, her favorite event according to her WTA bio, and also at Barcelona and Budapest. With her run to the finals of Roland Garros, Errani will enter the top ten for the first time in her career. She will also be Italy's No. 1 player.

6. Double Trouble: Along with her partner, Roberta Vinci, Errani is also in the women's doubles finals at Roland Garros to be contested tomorrow and it marks the first time since 2003 that a woman will contest both the singles and doubles finals in Paris. Errani won her 13th WTA doubles title in Rome earlier in May, her third title of the year with Vinci. The pair also reached the finals of the women's doubles in Melbourne.

7. Fed Cup Heroine: As part of her nation's Fed Cup team, Errani enjoyed winning with her teammates the 2009 and 2010 Fed Cup title, both times against Team USA. Italy will play USA again in the first round of Fed Cup in 2013.

8. Dedicated: Errani recently dedicated her two weeks in Paris to those affected by the recent earthquakes in Italy.

9. Streaky: Errani notched a 16-0 win streak on clay this season before losing to Agnieszka Radwanksa in Madrid. Errani's current win streak on clay is now 24-3 for the year.

10. Fun Stuff: Sara enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (esp. pop), following soccer and basketball, playing Monopoly, cards and computer games. She describes herself as timid, happy and responsible.