Ciao Flavia! Pennetta hangs up her racket

 

Originally published on 29/10/15

Pennetta, who announced after winning the US Open in September that she would hang up her racket at the end of the season, lost in straight sets to Maria Sharapova at the season-ending championships. Victory, or even defeat in three sets would have been enough to secure the Italian's place in the semi-finals at the expense of Agnieszka Radwanska, but it was not too be as she lost 7-5 6-1 to an in-form Sharapova.

“I feel really good,” said Pennetta. “I’m happy to have the chance to play this tournament. I think to have the last match against Maria was amazing to play such a good champion.

“I think she’s one of the best ever. She’s a good person. Also in the court today she was perfect in so many aspects. It’s perfect to lose against her.

“It was a good way also to say goodbye, because when you lose against such a good player there is not much to say. Right not I feel like it’s not my last match. I feel completely normal. Maybe in a few days I will notice the difference.”

Pennetta, 33, bows out less than two months after winning her maiden major at Flushing Meadows, the jewel in a glittering career. She bows out as US Open champion, a former Fed Cup winner and doubles No.1.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here