Serena Williams shared a classy congratulations with U.S. Open winner Flavia Pennetta
In an all-Italian U.S. Open final, No. 26 Flavia Pennetta defeated No. 43 Roberta Vinci to earn her first-ever Grand Slam title Saturday.
After the 7-6 (4), 6-2 contest, Pennetta, 33, immediately announced her retirement.
"This was the perfect moment, I think," she said. "Was a really hard decision to make, but I’m really happy that I did it."
Vinci, a longtime friend of Pennetta's, claimed a spot in the final after stunning Serena Williams in the semifinals, ending the top-ranked player's bid to complete a calendar-year Grand Slam.
Williams congratulated Pennetta via 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
