ROME — The sudden success of Roberta Vinci and Flavia Pennetta isn't really so sudden.
The groundwork behind Saturday's all-Italian U.S. Open final was laid down nine years ago.
It all started when an Italy team led by Francesca Schiavone, Pennetta and Vinci beat a Belgium side featuring Justine Henin-Hardenne for the 2006 Fed Cup title — the country's first.
With Sara Errani also becoming an integral part of the team, the Azzurre won three more Fed Cup titles over the next seven years.
Team success translated into individual accomplishments as Schiavone won the French Open in 2010 and finished runner-up in 2011.