The Latest on US Open: Serena offers congrats to Pennetta

World No 26 Italian tennis star celebrates in her moment of triumph at the US Open. The Italian Pennetta announced her retirement from tennis minutes after defeating compatriot Roberta Vinci to win her first major silverware.

With Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi watching intently, Flavia Pennetta became the second Italian woman to win a Grand Slam title, edging Fed Cup teammate Roberta Vinci 7-6 (4), 6-2 on Saturday in the US Open final. I was always thinking I would like to play Rome, for sure, because when I was really young every year my mom and my dad bring me to see the tournament. “It’s going to be a really big win for both of us, ‘” Pennetta said.

“One month ago I decided that this is the way I would say goodbye to tennis“, said Pennetta. “A miracle.” Williams, by the way, sent a gracious tweet to Pennetta after her win.

Pennetta, a year senior to her opponent at 33, opened up a pair of set points and her unreturnable serve put her on the scoreboard first.

Flavia Pennetta finished her Grand Slam career in incredible fashion.

Pennetta took out Australians Jarmila Gajdosova and 2011 champion Samantha Stosur, as well as two-time Wimbledon victor Petra Kvitova, en route to the title. A few hours later, Vinci completed the upset heard around the world: the unseeded, surprise semi-finalist beat 21-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

Both players started nervously, chipping shots safely down the middle of the court but Pennetta was the more consistent and after a lengthy game, she converted her seventh break point to lead 3-2. He bit his fingernails in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium, a nervous spectator in the same venue where he thrilled fans eight days earlier in the most captivating match of this year’s U.S. Open before Vinci’s upset of Williams. I couldn’t finish in a better way.

As ESPN’s Robin Roberts was wrapping up the televised post-match interview, Pennetta interrupted and asked if she could have the mic.

He taught Vinci and her brother how to play.

“It’s a dream come true, and it’s also nice to play with a friend of mine – we have known each other since we were nine years old, we spend so much time together”. When the crowd made sounds to express their surprise and sadness at the news, she said, “I’m really happy!” Vinci patted her pal on the back repeatedly, while Pennetta cried.

“I never think to be a champion”. Further, the U.S. Open has by far been her most successful grand slam. And it was reported that Vinci called her travel agent yesterday to book her flight because she didn’t think she’d win. It’s tough to play against someone you know for a long time.

Errani reached the French Open final in 2012, then Pennetta and Vinci made their debuts in a major title match at this U.S. Open.