Flavia Pennetta announces retirement on court after U.S. Open win

Flavia Pennetta won the U.S. Open women's final on Saturday, then announced her retirement while still on the court.

Pennetta defeated Roberta Vinci 7–6 (7–4), 6–2 in Saturday's final. Vinci defeated tournament favorite Serena Williams in the semifinal.

Pennetta said during her post-match interview she was ending her career at the end of the year.

Williams responded to Pennetta's announcement on Twitter:

@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

The 33-year-old Pennetta won her first Grand Slam title with the U.S. Open win. Her previous best finish was an appearance at the Australian Open quarterfinals last year.

• WERTHEIM: Farewell to U.S. Open's Grandstand court

Pennetta said the U.S. Open will be her last match in New York, and she'll consider playing in the Olympics.

"I will play until the end of the year, this was my last match in NY." Pennetta clarifies #USOpen
— Danielle Elliot (@daniellelliot) September 12, 2015

Pennetta adds that she'll consider Olympics but for now she's very happy with her decision to retire before Olympics. #USOpen
— Danielle Elliot (@daniellelliot) September 12, 2015

– Rohan Nadkarni