SPORTS
Yes, you read that right. The 49-year-old former Italy and AC Milan captain, who only took up tennis about six years ago, acquitted himself well but lost a doubles encounter in the first round of the Aspria Tennis Cup in Milan on Monday.
Former Italy and AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini's professional tennis career is likely to stop at one match after a debut he described as "like writing a poem after studying years of maths". The 49-year-old, who only took up tennis about six years ago, acquitted himself well but he and his partner, Stefano Landonio, were well beaten, 6-1, 6-1 by Poland's Tomasz Bednarek and Dutchman David Pel in the first round of the Aspria Tennis Cup in Milan on Monday.
"It was like writing a poem after studying years of maths," said Maldini, whose appearance secured more attention than is customary for a Challenger Tour event. "We tried to enjoy the moment, also because I didn't expect I'd be able to experience something like this at the age of 49. Ironically, on the very first point of the match I pulled a muscle.
"It was a unique and unrepeatable experience, I have lived it as a game and there will be no other experience like this. We could have played better on a few points, but no problem. It could have ended 6-0 6-3, we lost 6-1 6-1 and that's fine."
Maldini and Landonio, who once held a world ranking of 975, were totally outplayed by 35-year-old Bednarek, a former top 50 player in doubles, and the 25-year-old Pel, who is currently ranked just outside the top 200.
"I want it to be clear, it's only for fun, because I'm a member of this club and Stefano works here," explained Maldini, one of Italy's greatest ever footballers, a man who at left back was one of the best defenders the world has ever seen.
"I had to take it easy, especially at my age. You can be a little bit nervous, because you are doing something that is not yours. But since you've been a good player in another sport, you know what to expect. (But) those who know professional sport know very well that it's impossible to invent yourself as a professional from one day to the next. This is something I know very well."
Could Maldini be tempted to play again, if not at full professional level, perhaps on the ITF's over-50 circuit? "I would say no, especially because I don't train like an ex-professional," he said. "I play once a week, I come from another sport, I have physical problems with my knees and a series of limitations due to the inevitable wear-and-tear caused by football. Also, I don't have much time available."
Maldini and Landonio earned their place in the draw after winning a "rodeo" tournament at the host venue, the club where the Italian plays once a week with his coach, Landonio, usually on the faster, indoor courts.
"(That's) where I can show my best qualities," he said. "On carpet there's no time to think, it's my favourite surface. I like to play aggressive. Red clay forces me to play long rallies... but in tennis, honestly, I have little patience."
Salman Khan supports Sooaj Barjatya, pens note on his OTT debut, calls his show Bada Naam Karenge...
Little girl's energetic dance to 'London Thumakda' leaves netizens in awe, WATCH viral video
Meet man who left IIT, later earned Rs 286 crore in just 20 weeks by...
Viral Video: Sadhus playing cricket at Mahakumbh mela wins hearts online, watch
Happy Chocolate Day 2025: Wishes, WhatsApp messages, quotes to share with your partner on February 9
Meet woman, who plays key role in Rs 33661 crore company, daughter of billionaire
Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna didn't talk to each other on the Chhaava sets because...
Nita Ambani, Nick Jonas share candid moments at Siddharth Chopra's wedding, WATCH viral video
UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2025 registration date extended by 7 days; apply at upsc.gov.in
'Fight for progress of Delhi will continue', says LoP Rahul Gandhi after Congress's Delhi debacle
Namma Metro Fare Update: Travel rides get costlier by 50 per cent from THIS date; check details
'AAP-Da Mukt Delhi': PM Modi hails BJP's resounding victory in assembly polls 2025
'He is fit to...': India batting coach shares BIG update on Virat Kohli ahead of IND vs ENG 2nd ODI
IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma on cusp of breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record in elite openers list
NASA confirms Sunita Williams' return date, denies US President Trump’s ‘stranded’ claim
Meet man whose airline went bankrupt, still has Rs 43894 crore net worth, he is...
Ranji Trophy: Suryakumar Yadav's horror show with bat continues, India star clean bowled for just...
Chocolate Day 2025: 5 easy homemade chocolate recipes to impress your partner
Mass layoffs at Infosys as company terminates 700 freshers over...
Priyanka Chopra wears 62-emerald bead Bvlgari necklace at her brother's wedding
Chocolate Day 2025: Date, significance, history and celebration ideas
Meet Swati Singh, wife of BJP's Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal by 4089 votes
Meet man, son of world’s richest woman, he is set to take over Rs 1642000 crore empire as...
SHOCKING! Bride's family cancels wedding at last moment over groom's low...
Nita Ambani, Shloka Mehta stun in gorgeous sarees at Priyanka Chopra's brother's wedding
Meet Trisha and Sanidhi, daughters of BJP's Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal
New entrant in grocery quick-commerce, ready to compete with industry giants
Transforming the news and media industry with Generative AI: Expert insights by Sanjay Jain
Dr Tanvi Tijoriwala, ND shedsputs light on balancing skin barrier during rising temperatures
How PM Modi's magic shattered Arvind Kejriwal and his third-term hope in Delhi?
Ahmedabad: Fire breaks out at Sabarmati bullet train station, check details
Meet Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwals's wife, who was former IRS officer, met him during...
BIG blow for Meta employees, Mark Zuckerberg's company to layoff employees from..., reason is...
Amitabh Bachchan sparks major concern among fans with cryptic post, writes 'time to go'
Meet IAS officer who failed five times before cracking UPSC exam, cleared in 6th attempt with AIR...
Taylor Swift 'feels used' by Blake Lively, wishes she didn't drag her into Justin Baldoni case
Delhi Election Result 2025 Live Updates: Check full list of winners and losers in Delhi elections
Who is Kabir Bahia, Kriti Sanon's rumoured boyfriend who hid his face from paps
Delhi Election Result 2025: AAP's Arvind Kejriwal vs BJP's Parvesh Verma; key contests to watch out
Bank holidays in February 2025: Check if banks are open or closed on February 8?
Cristiano Ronaldo sends heartfelt retirement message to former Real Madrid teammate Marcelo Viera