We’ve all heard the old fable of ‘sex before sport puts a downer on your performance’ – so to speak, but Francesca Schiavone is understandably keen to disprove that myth.

Italy’s Francesca Schiavone lifts the lid on her championship success (AFP/Getty Images)

This shackle has been around the neck – or pants more specifically – of our favourite athletes since time began.

So imagine the excitement of frustrated partners – and nightclub owners – across the globe when the Italian tennis star championed a good bit of pre-match nookie during a recent interview.

The reigning French Open queen revealed the secret behind her success, saying: ‘For a woman, sex before a match is not only allowed, it is fantastic.




‘It raises your hormone levels and brings advantages to all of your points.

‘In recent years I have grown, and my feminine side is a lot more visible. But it is a gift reserved for just a few.’

We beg to differ Francesca.

The randy right-hander, who is the only Italian to have won a Grand Slam tournament, has a bit of previous when it comes to the kinky arts, and her last indiscretion was caught on camera and seen by a couple more than ‘a lucky few’.

Have a look for yourself. Can you guess what Schiavone and her partner are suggesting…?