Flavia Pennetta Wins The US Open, Announces Retirement
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In arguably the most surprising final on the Open Era for a women’s Grand Slam, Flavia Pennetta beat Roberta Vinci 7-6, 6-2 to win her first US Open, and it turned out to be her final Grand Slam event.
The 33-year-old Pennetta who, like her countrywoman Vinci, was appearing in her first career Grand Slam final, announced during the trophy presentation that this was her last match at a Grand Slam. What a way to go out.
“I’m really happy right now,” Pennetta said. “I have to say, before this tournament I never thought I’d be so far. I never thought I’d be the champion. It’s amazing when big surprises like this happen.
“It’s a dream come true. When I was young, I was always thinking to be No.1 and win a Grand Slam. I also wanted to win Rome, but a Grand Slam is maybe a little better! But it’s a dream come true. It’s also nice to play with a friend of mine. Roberta played unbelievable. She had an incredible week.
“There’s one more thing I’d like to say – it’s the way I would like to say goodbye to tennis.”
@flavia_pennetta congrats I'm so happy you won. You deserved it. I am also happy for the rest of your life's journey. I will miss your smile
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) September 12, 2015
Pennetta said she’d been contemplating the retirement, but she will play through the end of the season.
“Before I started this tournament, one month ago, I made a big decision in my life. And this is why I would like to say goodbye to tennis,” she said t. “I’m really happy. It’s what all players want to do, go home with one of these big trophies. So this one was my last match at the US Open and I couldn’t think to finish a better way. I want to thank everyone who supported me during my career. All my coaches, my family, who aren’t here, but they’re going to be proud of me. I love you guys.:
Vinci has pulled the shock upset of the year, and one of the biggest in history, beating heavy favorite Serena Williams Friday.
“I was tired,” Vinci said. “I was tired especially the first set. I think she played better. She was more solid than me and she play much better backhand, long line, and she served better than me today. She play better, yeah.
“I think it’s an incredible moment for all Italian people. So now when I come back at home, I can realize what we made, because now for me not is normal, no. But I’m in New York, okay, I’m in the hotel, just have fun, but I would like to come back and try to understood what I did.”
Pennetta has beaten Vinci in six of their 10 meetings.
Pennetta, 33, and Vinci, 32, were the two oldest player to ever contests a Grand Slam final for the first time. Pennetta was also playing in her 49th career Grand Slam final. She also wins $3,300,000, her biggest career win.
Pennetta joins Martin Bartoli as recent Grand Slam winners to hang it up after their win.
She was watched in the crowd by her fiancee Fabio Fongini. The two will wed next year.
When bae is so proud of you pic.twitter.com/KEcf1mGuvb
— WTA Reactions (@WTAreactions) September 12, 2015
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