Maldini’s day on court
FORMER AC Milan and Italy captain Paolo Maldini made a short but sweet professional tennis debut yesterday.
The legendary defender, who was 49 on Monday, played in the doubles at the Aspria Tennis Cup with coach and friend stefano Landonio.
The pair, who qualified via a wild card, lost 6-1, 6-1 to Dutchman David Pel and Pole Tomasz Bednarek on clay at the ATP Challenger event in Milan.
since retiring from football in May 2009, the five-time European Cup winner has maintained his fitness with five-a- side football matches, boxing and tennis
‘Tennis is a passion for me,’ said Maldini, who was watched by former AC Milan team-mate Clarence seedorf and ex-Italy colleague Giuseppe Bergomi.
‘I don’t think it will become anything more serious. I played football professionally for many years.’