Article by Luminița Paul – published on Saturday, October 11, 2025, 21:42 / Updated on Saturday, October 11, 2025 21:45
Gabriela Sabatini (55 years old), a former world number 3 and the Grand Slam champion at the US Open 1990, spoke in Mallorca about current female tennis, about friendship with Steffi Graff, then played in a paddle with Jurgen Klopp.
Argentinian Gabriela Sabatiniwinner of 27 WTA titles in the career, including the US Open 1990 and the Champions Tournament in 1988 and 1994, was present these days in the Santa Ponsa resort, on the island of Mallorca. The former world number 3 was named ambassador of the WTA 125 tournament that is played on the island of whale.
Smiling and cordial, wearing jeans and a white shirt, she spoke about the connection with Mallorca, her vision of current tennis and her desire to support young promises. “It's a great pleasure to be here. The atmosphere is beautiful, and Mallorca is a very special place for me. This tour wakes me many memories from my beginnings: you have to fight a lot in this transition phase, in which the transition to professionalism changes everything“She said, according to Diario de Mallorca.
Sabatini followed his compatriot, Solana Sierra (21 years old, 86th place), qualifying in the final of the competition after the victory with 6-2, 7-5 on the Spanish Andrea Lazaro Garcia (30 years, number 196 WTA).
Gabriela Sabatini in the stands at the Tournament in Mallorca Photo: Mallorca Women's Championship
Reason to also emphasize the importance of WTA 125 tournaments: “They are fundamental. In Argentina, for many years, they have not existed, and now they exist. They offer players real opportunities to compete close to home and grow step by step.”
Gabriela Sabatini: “We were rivals, but also friends”
Gabriela Sabatini and Steffi Graf in 1995 Photo: Imago Images
Then Gaby spoke about his relationship with Steffi Graf, his great rival and friend. The two have faced 40 times, the German imposing 29 times, South American 11. “The matches with Steffi were the best. We were rivals, but also friends. We're still talking from time to time, I admire her a lot“Sabineini confessed.
Withdrawn from tennis at 26, she reflected on her career and offered tips to young players: “Don't give up on dreams. With respect, commitment and work can be done. You have to enjoy, have passions outside the ground and find the balance”.
Demonstratively with Jurgen Klopp
Former world number 3 also participated in a demonstrative match of the paddle, pairing with the German football coach Jurgen Kloppagainst him Toni Nadal and of the professional paddle player Denise Hofer. The latter won, 21-19.
Klopp was delighted with experience. “She is an incredible woman. I met her these days and I would never have imagined that I would get to play with her and toni. The beauty of the pad is that it can be practiced by everyone. In Germany it is in full expansion; I practice it because I like it … and because after nothing it hurts!“He said, laughing.
Sabatini also praised her teammate: “Jurgen is famous all over the world. I am a great admirer of his; I like football and everything he has done. It was a great honor to join the field. We now met for the first time, and it seemed a very kind and charismatic person.”
