2024-04-30 00:59:52
BOLZANO. «I challenged the best tennis players of the time: Navratilova, Graf and Sabatini. But my parents’ dream was simply for me to graduate: growing up in a healthy environment and with certain values helped me to win. Now I want to visit South Africa with my husband Beppe. It is for him that I left Milan and discovered Alto Adige.” This is how it is told Laura Garrone, 56 years oldMilanese in fact, but Bolzano by adoption.
She is currently one of the leading commentators on Sky Sport regarding tennis and for years she has been one of the technical references of Tc Bolzano, the historic club in via Martin Knoller. But above all she was number 32 in the world rankings in 1987 and she won two Grand Slam events at Junior level (Roland Garros and US Open, both in 1985). Laura Garrone’s life is made up of travels, successes, disappointments. And also some regrets. «But after years spent traveling the world, this land allowed me to find my right dimension, on a professional and family level», she underlines.
When did you approach tennis?
Very late. I come from the world of artistic gymnastics, a sport that I started together with my brother. From one day to the next he dropped out because they didn’t call him up to the national team and so he turned to tennis. I imitated him in everything, so I started too. However, our careers quickly took two different paths.
He always taught. She, however, was aimed at the big stages.
It was all very fast. I started taking part in under 14 tournaments and they soon noticed me, so much so that they called me up with the best in Italy at a gathering in Latina. I remember that mum and dad opposed it, because they thought I wasn’t mature enough. I only went there when I was 16 and it was there that I met Raffaella Reggi and Laura Golarsa, two friends with whom we still share the passion for tennis today through commentary on Sky.
She went from being a young girl from Milan to competing with the best in the world in just a few short years.
I won the youth world championships coinciding with the transition to professionalism. I must admit that all these successes have put a bit of pressure on me and I have struggled mentally to cope with expectations.
However, many satisfactions have been given.
The best one that comes to mind is the first match between the “big ones” at Roland Garros in 1985. Over the years I have played with champions of the caliber of Gabriela Sabatini, Steffi Graf and Chris Evert. Even with the Williams sisters, but they were very young at the time. The strongest? Martina Navratilova, I often met her and always lost (laughs, ed.).
If I say the word “regrets” what comes to mind?
I probably should have relied on a private coach and built a team around me. Instead I clung too much to the federation. At the time there was no possibility of investing in one’s career as there is today, with athletic trainers, managers and unlimited travel.
How did you experience the retreat?
I had already planned everything. It was 1997, I knew I could never return to the levels of the past and so, after each elimination, I put my backpack on my shoulders and went to visit the city of the tournament. That year helped me a lot, I learned languages and broadened my cultural background. When you are “immersed” in professionalism you don’t have time to do certain things.
What is the life of a professional like?
It’s a privilege for few, I was lucky enough to do what I liked, apart from a few moments of solitude during travels. I have always been convinced of my path, also because my parents never forced me, even though they were athletes. In fact, their priority was for me to graduate, not so much for me to win a particular match or trophy.
How did you come to Bolzano?
For love. I married Giuseppe Pellitteri, a dental surgeon, I “inherited” from his first marriage two wonderful children, who together with my niece Gaia represent a pleasant daily commitment. I don’t mind that they don’t play tennis, it’s a difficult sport and there’s a risk of frustration due to the fact that you’re always alone.
After living in Rome and the United States, didn’t you think that a city like this would be too difficult for you?
Yes, in fact I was very skeptical. I told myself to try and in the end I discovered a wonderful reality. I like quality of life, nature, leaving the house and riding my mountain bike, as well as mountaineering. I appreciate this type of life even more because I am lucky enough to still travel a lot.
A defect of Bolzano?
Maybe the variety of choice. It is a small city that sometimes does not always manage to respond to everyone’s needs. She has also continued her activity as a tennis teacher here in Alto Adige. Initially I ran a club in Lombardy, I commuted. I moved permanently in 2004 and started working at Tc Bolzano, in via Martin Knoller. I hope I have managed to convey my great passion for this sport to young people.
And what surprises you about Jannik Sinner, who is increasingly heading towards the top of the world?
All. I saw him for the first time when he was very small, I was amazed by the fact that, even though he was very frail, he had incredible coordination. Already when he moved to Bordighera, at the age of 13, I said that he would become number one in the world. He still has a lot of room for improvement.
Have you also, like many other former athletes, picked up the padel racket?
Not at all. Also because I had a prosthetic foot made and would wear it out. I have fun, without stressing the joint, playing golf.
The big dream yet to be fulfilled?
I would love to fly to South Africa because it is one of the very few places I haven’t visited. Obviously in the company of my husband Beppe… we do everything together.
2024-04-30 00:59:52