Gabriela Sabatini, one of the most famous female athletes of the twentieth century, turned 50 this year. The Argentine loved tennis but despised celebrity. A discussion about self-determination in professional athletics and the art of aging well.
You turned fifty in May. Is it true that the happiness curve is U-shaped and that you feel happier again in your mid-40s, as happiness research suggests?
I don’t give much thought to my birthdays, but I am happy today. Of course, I’m aware of my age, but I feel really well. I am healthy and appreciative for it. For everything I’ve accomplished and the life I lead today.
People claim 50 is the new 30; do you agree?
I truly feel young, which is partly owing to my lifestyle. I start every day with sports if feasible; I enjoy cycling, jogging, and swimming; it cleanses and roots me. I am also quite active in other areas and travel regularly. This helps me keep intellectually young.
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Self-determination is extremely rewarding and adds new dimensions to life.
Gabriela Sabatini is a tennis legend.
Do people become more self-determined as they become older?
Absolutely. Over time, you learn to set boundaries and determine what is best for you. I’m more choosy about what I do and only meet people I truly want to be with. This sense of self-determination is extremely rewarding and adds a new dimension to life.
You were one of the tennis wonder children, rising to the top in quick time. At 14, you were the finest junior player in the world, and at 15, you reached the French Open semi-finals. Did you ever feel that your youth was lost or influenced by others?
I believe that doing what you are truly passionate about gives you a sense of freedom. But there were times when I was more concerned with what the media and fans expected of me than what I wanted for myself. And this was before social media. Today, the demand on young players is much higher.
You later admitted that it was challenging to become famous so rapidly.
Yes, I was really introverted and shy at the start of my professional career, and I didn’t speak English very well, which made interviews with international media difficult.
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I believe that doing what you are truly passionate about gives you a sense of freedom.
Gabriela Sabatini is a tennis legend.
Is it true that you purposefully lost, as some sources claim?
Not on purpose. But terror shaped me. I recall thinking in the quarterfinals, “If I get to the final, I’ll have to talk to the journalists again.” And from then on, I nearly threw away the match and lost it. Fortunately, the ambition to win the competition eventually overcame that dread.
Your career was defined by titanic battles against your perennial adversary, Steffi Graf. She won 29 of 40 matches and, most painfully, 11 of the twelve Grand Slam matchups. Do you acquire personal dislikes or even feelings of hatred?
On the contrary, Steffi was a stroke of luck for me. She pulled the most out of my tennis and was a pleasant, reserved person off the court. When we quit playing tennis, we grew closer over time.
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I am not the type of person who makes a bucket list. I simply want to live as freely in the future as I do now.
Gabriela Sabatini is a tennis legend.
Exactly thirty years ago, you defeated Steffi Graf in the US Open final. What was the difference that day?
I began to put everything I had learned from my trainer into practice, going up to the net whenever possible, full of resolve and self-confidence. This unfettered offensive spirit eventually helped me win. It was the most significant moment in my tennis career. After years of hard work and sacrifice, my dream came true. I never imagined such excitement and a sense of release, and I began to appreciate tennis even more.
Nevertheless, six years later, at the age of 26, you announced your departure. Do you regret quitting so soon?
No. I had been on the pro tour for twelve years and was exhausted and unmotivated. When I awoke, I thought, “Now I have to train again, even though I don’t really want to.” I spoke with a psychotherapist, and over time I realized, “Enough is enough.” I’ve always followed my inner convictions in life, and this is also self-determination. And that is why I am at ease with my decisions.
Many athletes struggle to adjust to life after their careers. Did you fall into a deep hole, too?
No. What helped me was knowing exactly what I wanted to accomplish after my athletic career: grow my perfume line and make it international. My father, a veteran General Motors manager, helped me with this. In the meanwhile, my brand offers watches and a fashion range.
I have always followed my personal convictions in life and hence live at peace with my decisions.
Gabriela Sabatini is a tennis legend.
Life also entails dreaming. What three goals do you hope to attain in the next 10 years?
I am not the type of person who makes a bucket list. I simply want to live as freely in the future as I do now. And I plan to explore other destinations soon; India and Morocco are very appealing to me.
Speaking about life objectives, we’re getting older all the time. Do you wish to live 100 years?
I’m not sure if I can make it to a hundred. I just lead a healthy lifestyle because I enjoy feeling well. And I try to enjoy my regular activities. Perhaps the coronavirus epidemic has a positive side, teaching us that we cannot control everything and that we should value the present, freedom, and our friends more.
