I’m a former Wimbledon semi-finalist – now I run a bistro with my Brazilian model girlfriend
FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE was once one of the world's elite tennis players and even won the French Open in 2010.
But now she runs her very own restaurant in her hometown Milan - and ensures she is working hard to deliver the very best food and wine available.
Schiavone established the bistro with Brazilian model Sileni Seghetto on the Naviglio Grande, overlooking one of the many canals in the south-west of the city.
Sifa Bistrot - which serves a delicious selection of fish, bread, vegetables and cocktails - has a whopping 4.8 stars on Google.
The interior is decorated with a tennis theme including racquet mirrors and classic memorabilia to accompany the vintage Italian wines.
Schiavone, who retired in 2018, told SunSport: “It’s a small bistro, very simple, very family-orientated. We have already been open for two-and-a-half years.
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“We do good food and good wine.
“I have lots of friends in Italy. We study every food and every wine that we can give to our customers.
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“I’m enjoying it. I know we are doing good work. I’m very busy in the summer but in the winter I’ll be there.”
Schiavone beat Sam Stosur at Roland Garros to win her solo Grand Slam before losing the final a year later to Li Na.
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Her best performance on the famous grass at Wimbledon came in 2009 when she reached the quarter-finals in the singles - but did make the doubles semis in 2012 with Flavia Pennetta.
And she has returned to Wimbledon this year to take part in the invitational doubles alongside Italian compatriot Roberta Vinci.
While she is here in SW19, Schiavone will be taking notes about what makes the All England Club so special - as she plots to set up her own club in Italy.
The 5ft 5ins star added: “Now I’m fighting to build a tennis club. It’s a very interesting challenge. I’ve come here to get some inspiration.
“Wimbledon is beautiful, the atmosphere is fantastic, the colours, the people respect and love tennis. This is why we play tennis and why legends come back to enjoy it.
“I have beautiful memories here when I beat Marion Bartoli to reach the quarter-finals on Court 18. It was a beautiful match. The quarter-final was a great battle against Elena Dementieva."
