PARIS — In an extraordinary display of athletic versatility, Sara Errani, the newly crowned 2025 French Open doubles champion, stunned the sports world by competing in a professional cycling event just two days after her Grand Slam triumph. The 38-year-old Italian, who also claimed the mixed doubles title at Roland Garros, swapped her tennis racket for a bicycle in the Giro d'Italia Donne, showcasing her remarkable endurance and passion for multi-sport competition.
A Historic Double at Roland Garros
Errani's French Open performance was nothing short of spectacular. Partnering with fellow Italian Jasmine Paolini in women's doubles and Croatian Mate Pavić in mixed doubles, she became the first player since Martina Hingis in 1998 to win both doubles titles at the same Roland Garros. "It's a dream come true," Errani said during her post-match press conference. "To win here again after all these years, especially in two events, is something I'll cherish forever."
The veteran's achievement was particularly remarkable given her career trajectory. After serving a doping suspension in 2017-2018 (which she maintains was unintentional), Errani fought her way back to the top of the doubles game. Her 2025 French Open victories marked her:
- 6th Grand Slam women's doubles title
- 3rd Grand Slam mixed doubles title
- 15th career doubles title overall
From Clay to Cycling in 48 Hours
What made Errani's accomplishment truly unprecedented was her immediate transition to professional cycling. The tennis star, who has been training with the Italian national cycling team since 2022, received a wildcard entry to compete in Stage 3 of the Giro d'Italia Donne - the women's equivalent of cycling's most prestigious Grand Tour.
"I've always loved cycling, and when the opportunity came to combine both passions, I couldn't say no," Errani explained at the cycling pre-race press conference. "My body is tired from Paris, but my heart is full of energy for this new challenge."
The Physical Demands
Sports scientists were astounded by Errani's rapid transition between two completely different athletic disciplines. Tennis and cycling make opposing demands on the body:
- Tennis requires explosive, short bursts of energy
- Cycling demands sustained endurance over hours
- Different muscle groups are predominantly used
- Recovery protocols vary significantly
Dr. Elena Rossi, a sports physiologist at the Italian Olympic Committee, noted: "What Sara is attempting is virtually unheard of at the professional level. The neuromuscular adaptation alone would take most athletes weeks, yet she's doing it in days."
Cycling Performance Against the Odds
Against expectations, Errani completed the 132km mountain stage from Trento to Predazzo, finishing 48th in a field of 120 riders. While she didn't contend for the stage win, her ability to complete the grueling Alpine course just 48 hours after her tennis triumph drew widespread admiration.
Race leader Annemiek van Vleuten praised Errani's effort: "For someone to come from another sport and finish this stage is incredible. The climbing sections were brutal today, and she showed real courage."
Errani's cycling team, UAE Team ADQ, provided special support to accommodate her unique situation. Team director Rubens Bertogliati revealed: "We modified her bike setup to account for tennis-related muscle tightness and created a custom nutrition plan to help her body recover from Paris while competing here."
A New Era of Multi-Sport Athletes?
Errani's daring double has sparked debate about the future of specialization in professional sports. While most elite athletes focus exclusively on one discipline, a growing number are crossing over:
- NBA star Pat Connaughton pitched in MLB during the 2021 offseason
- Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix launched a successful running shoe line
- Swimmer Michael Phelps competed in golf after retirement
Sports marketing expert David Carter observed: "Errani's story taps into our fascination with versatile athletes. In an era of hyper-specialization, seeing someone excel in completely different sports captures the imagination."
What's Next for Errani
The Italian star plans to return to tennis for the grass court season, though she hasn't ruled out future cycling appearances. "Right now I need to focus on Wimbledon preparations," she said with a laugh after the race. "But maybe after the US Open, we'll see about another bike race."
Her coach, Pablo Lozano, confirmed they would adjust training to accommodate both sports: "We're incorporating more endurance work into her regimen. The cycling clearly helps her tennis stamina - she was the freshest player in those long doubles matches at Roland Garros."
As for potential Olympic aspirations in cycling? Errani remained coy: "Let's see how my legs feel after Wimbledon. The Paris 2024 velodrome does look beautiful..."
Conclusion
Sara Errani's unprecedented week - winning two Grand Slam titles and completing a professional cycling stage - has redefined what's possible for elite athletes. Her story serves as both inspiration and a challenge to conventional wisdom about sports specialization.
As the tennis world prepares for Wimbledon and cycling fans anticipate the Tour de France, one question lingers: "What will this remarkable athlete do next?" For now, Errani seems content to keep everyone guessing, proving that at 38, her competitive fire burns brighter than ever.