Arantxa Sánchez Vicario returned from Miami to participate as a founder in the inaugural IMPERIA gala, an event highlighting women’s contributions and trajectories in sports, 20Minutos reported. The former world number one, who captured her historic Roland Garros title in June 1989 at just 17 years old, discussed her career, her current life raising her children in Florida, and her reflections on tennis history in an interview with the publication.
Life in Miami and Media Attention
Sánchez Vicario explained that her primary focus is raising her children. She relocated to Miami after securing television commentary work that offered more professional possibilities than what was available to her in Spain. Addressing the intense media scrutiny she faced during her playing days, she stated that she never felt saturated by the pressure because she always felt the enduring affection of fans who followed her career. While acknowledging that her fame brought constant requests for photographs and public interest, she expressed gratitude for the public support she received.
Rivalries and Comparisons in Tennis History
Asked whether her renowned tenacity inspired the fighting spirit of Rafael Nadal, Sánchez Vicario noted that they belong to different eras while acknowledging their shared refusal to surrender on the court. During her own playing days, she identified Steffi Graf as her maximum rival and the premier player of that generation, alongside formidable competitors such as Monica Seles, Lindsay Davenport, and Jennifer Capriati. Sánchez Vicario described reaching the world number one ranking and displacing Graf as a unique privilege achieved by very few players given Graf’s dominance at the time.
Sacrifices of an Elite Pioneering Career
Reflecting on her youth, Sánchez Vicario noted that her professional commitments meant missing out on normal adolescent experiences like parties, casual friendships, and leisure time. While children her age enjoyed swimming pools and vacations, she was fully dedicated to training and tournament preparation. She expressed pride in being a pioneer who opened doors for women’s sports in Spain during an era when athletic opportunities for female athletes were scarce, paving the way for subsequent generations of Spanish sports stars.
Personal Challenges and Financial Reflections
Regarding personal and financial difficulties following her retirement, Sánchez Vicario stated she has no regrets, viewing family life as a mix of positive and negative experiences common to anyone. She credited therapy, along with her characteristic resilience and fighting spirit, with helping her navigate personal hardships. Acknowledging that she suffered through difficult times publicly, she maintained that anyone in her situation would have experienced similar strain. On financial matters, she admitted she was not fully conscious of her assets during her marriage, explaining that she placed complete trust in her former partner out of love and naïveté. She noted that life experiences have taught her to approach relationships with much greater caution today.
Inaugural IMPERIA Gala and Future Outlook
As a founding member of the IMPERIA gala, Sánchez Vicario praised the caliber of the twelve participating female athletes, suggesting that Spain’s deep pool of world-class champions creates friendly envy among other nations. Selecting future inductees into the selective group will require collaborative debate among the founders, she noted. Concluding her remarks, she expressed deep satisfaction and happiness with both her pioneering athletic career and her current role in supporting women’s sports movements.
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