The Italian started 2011 by reaching the quarterfinals in Hobart (where she won the doubles with compatriot Roberta Vinci) before drawing #4 seed Venus Williams in the first round of the Australian Open, losing in straight sets.

In February, she reached the final of the PTT Pattaya Open where she was defeated by Daniela Hantuchova. She and Vinci won their second doubles team of the year in Pattaya.

Sara's clay season included semifinal finishes at Marbella (where she lost to eventual champion Victoria Azarenka) and Barcelona. She also reached the quarterfinals in Budapest and Palermo, where she also won the doubles event with Vinci.

Sara was part of the Italian Fed Cup team who were champions in 2009 and 2010.