Buenos Aires, Argentina – June 5, 2025
Argentine tennis legend Gabriela Sabatini was immortalized in bronze today as a life-sized statue honoring her illustrious career and lasting impact on Argentine sport was unveiled outside the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.
The statue captures Sabatini in her signature backhand follow-through—elegant, focused, and poised—symbolizing the grace and strength that defined her rise to international fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It stands not only as a tribute to her 1990 U.S. Open victory and 27 career titles but also to her enduring influence as a role model, philanthropist, and ambassador for Argentine athletics.
Argentina’s Minister of Sports, Cecilia Domínguez, led the unveiling ceremony, calling Sabatini “a pioneer and a national treasure who inspired generations of athletes—especially young girls—to believe in themselves.”
“She wasn’t just a champion on the court,” Domínguez said. “Gabriela has remained a symbol of humility, integrity, and elegance long after she retired.”
Sabatini, 54, appeared visibly moved during the ceremony. “I never imagined something like this,” she said. “To have a statue in my hometown is deeply humbling. Tennis gave me so much, and I’ve always tried to give back—to Argentina and to the next generation.”
Since retiring in 1996, Sabatini has dedicated herself to humanitarian efforts, youth sports development, and advocating for gender equality in athletics. She has served as a mentor to rising tennis players and has partnered with global organizations promoting physical activity and education for girls.
The statue, designed by acclaimed sculptor Lucía Ferrer, took over a year to complete. “We wanted to capture Gabriela’s spirit—her movement, her emotion, and the quiet determination that inspired millions,” Ferrer said.
The event drew hundreds of fans, former players, and dignitaries, including fellow sports icons Diego Schwartzman and Luciana Aymar, all there to honor one of Argentina’s greatest sporting ambassadors.
As the crowd chanted her name, Sabatini smiled and said, “This is not just for me—it’s for all of us who believe in dreaming big and working hard.”
