Sara Errani
A tenacious Italian tennis star who defied physical expectations to dominate doubles and reach the world's top five in singles with crafty intelligence.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Italian tennis player·Birthday: April 29·Millennials
Biography
Sara Errani rewrote the rules of modern tennis. In an era of power and height, the 5'4" Italian from Bologna used guile, relentless consistency, and perhaps the best slice backhand in the women's game to climb to the world's top five in singles. Her 2012 French Open singles final run was a masterclass in tactical disruption, using angles and moonballs to fluster bigger hitters. But her true dominion was doubles. Partnering with countrywoman Roberta Vinci in a duo famously called 'The Cheese to their Pasta,' Errani achieved a historic Career Golden Slam in doubles, sweeping all four majors and Olympic gold. Her success was a testament to fierce competitiveness, extraordinary court coverage, and a symbiotic partnership that became one of the most decorated in history. Even as her singles game evolved, her legacy is that of a thinker on court, a player who proved that variety and heart could compete with pure force.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Sara was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Sara Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Sara's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Completed a Career Golden Slam in women's doubles, winning all four majors and Olympic gold with Roberta Vinci.
- Reached the singles final of the 2012 French Open, achieving a career-high ranking of World No. 5.
- Won nine Grand Slam titles in total across women's doubles and mixed doubles.
- Earned an Olympic gold medal in women's doubles at the 2012 London Games with Roberta Vinci.
- Holds the record for the most total titles (singles and doubles) of any Italian tennis player.
Did You Know?
She and Roberta Vinci were nicknamed 'The Cheese to their Pasta' by fans and media.
Errani is known for her unique service motion, which involves a pronounced ball toss and a hopping action.
She was coached by her mother, Fulvia, for much of her career.
In 2017, she served a two-month doping suspension for a failed test attributed to her mother's cancer medication contamination of food.
She transitioned into coaching after her playing career, guiding fellow Italian Jasmine Paolini.
“I'm not the tallest, I'm not the strongest, but I fight for every point.”
