NEW YORK — Even Flavia Pennetta was a tiny bit disappointed that Serena Williams didn't complete the first Grand Slam since 1988 at the U.S. Open.
"Of course," she said hours after she won her first major title in her final chance before retiring — well aware that had Williams accomplished the feat, it would've meant no championship for Pennetta.
She was thrilled for childhood friend Roberta Vinci for her upset of Williams in Friday's semifinals, but Pennetta was like any other tennis fan captivated by the chance to witness a rare achievement.
"Also, I was thinking it was going to be nice to be on court with her, and maybe lose, but for a moment so special for everyone, for her, for history," she said.