NEW YORK – Flavia Pennetta announced her immediate retirement from tennis after upstaging fellow Italian Roberta Vinci in the US Open final to become the oldest first-time women’s grand slam champion in professional tennis history.
In one of most unlikeliest championship deciders ever, 33-year-old Pennetta took the spoils with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 victory at Flushing Meadows yesterday.
Glory in the first all-Italian grand slam final crowned a remarkable comeback after Pennetta had pondered retirement last year while battling a debilitating wrist injury.
But set to rise to a career-high ranking inside the top 10 next week, Pennetta stunned the tennis world after accepting her most prestigious trophy yet.
“This is the way I would like to say goodbye to tennis,” Pennetta said after revealing she made the decision to walk away three weeks ago.
“I’m really happy. It is what all the players want to do, going out with this big trophy (to take) home.
“So this one was my last match in the US Open and I couldn’t think of a better way to end my career.”
“It’s a dream come true. Growing up I always wanted to be world No.1 and to win a grand slam.”
The Fed Cup teammates and former doubles partners warmly embraced at the net before Pennetta celebrated her stunning triumph with her entourage including boyfriend Fabio Fognini.
