Sara Errani transitions to player-coach role, coaches Jasmine Paolini

Sara Errani, a nine-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has officially transitioned into a player-coach role, joining Jasmine Paolini’s coaching staff for the 2026 season to oversee the tactical aspects of her singles game. The announcement came during a joint appearance on Italian talk show Che Tempo Che Fa in early December.

A Natural Partnership Moves Courtside

Paolini, currently World No. 8, has already benefited from Errani’s presence throughout the 2025 season. The Italian player has frequently been spotted in Paolini’s coaching box at singles matches, offering guidance and tactical input. Errani’s decision to formalize this role reflects the strong chemistry between the two Italian stars and their proven success together on court. “I’ll have two people this year,” Paolini said in Italian. “Danilo Pizzorno will be my coach, and (Errani) will take care of the tactics, because she’s on another level.” The move follows a tumultuous 2025 season for Paolini, which saw multiple coaching changes, including splits with Renzo Furlan in March and Marc Lopez in July.

Continuing Success in Doubles While Coaching

Errani, 38 years old, will remain an active doubles player despite her new coaching responsibilities. The pair’s doubles partnership has reached elite status, winning four titles in 2025: the Roland Garros Grand Slam, plus WTA 1000 events in Rome, Beijing, and Doha. Their success extends beyond this year—they won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and have qualified for the WTA Finals for the past two years. Errani stepped back from singles competition after Roland Garros 2025, but she remains committed to competing alongside Paolini in doubles. Both players are part of Italy’s United Cup team, set to compete in Perth in January before the Australian Open. “We’re doing so well that it’s hard to stop,” Errani said in Italian, explaining her decision to continue competing despite initially planning to retire after winning an Olympic medal.

A Shift in Professional Roles for Errani

This appointment marks a significant transition for Errani, who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 5 in 2013 and earned nine Grand Slam doubles titles throughout her career. The player-coach model allows her to remain active on the professional circuit while contributing her tactical expertise to Paolini’s singles game. Errani’s deep understanding of match strategy and positioning, honed through decades of elite doubles play, positions her as an ideal tactical advisor. Her constant presence in Paolini’s corner during tournaments will enable real-time strategic adjustments and post-match analysis. The structure gives Paolini a dedicated tactical coach who understands her game intimately and can help her navigate the pressures of top-level singles competition.

Sources

• WTA Tennis — Official announcement of Errani joining Paolini’s coaching staff for 2026, confirmation of her tactical role, details on their doubles titles and Olympic success
• Tennis World USA — Paolini’s statement on Errani’s appointment and her role overseeing tactics
• The Big Lead — Confirmation of Errani acting as tennis coach for Paolini in singles