NEW YORK — For Flavia Pennetta, summing up her tumultuous, shocking, fascinating and heart-warming U.S. Open triumph was easily described in a single word.
"Perfect."
Pennetta, the oldest maiden grand slam finalist in the Open era, became the first Italian to win the U.S. Open women's crown and did so on Saturday with an efficient 7-6(4) 6-2 victory over childhood friend and compatriot Roberta Vinci.
Before accepting the trophy and $3.3 million for the win that easily marked the greatest triumph of her career, the 33-year-old announced her retirement.
"My life is perfect," Pennetta said when asked how she would look back at the championship.