(Getty)
Talk about going out on top.
Moments after becoming the first Italian woman to win the US Open and the oldest first-time major winner, Flavia Pennetta, who entered Flushing Meadows as a 150-1 longshot, announced that she would be retiring from tennis:
Flavia Pennetta: This was my last match at the US Open and i cant think to finish in a better way #usopen http://t.co/LPT1RT3DjM
Flavia Pennetta, US Open Champ, announcing that THIS was her last match!!! Wow!!! http://t.co/VA1Nspl8Zr
It was quite the stunning announcement from the 33-year-old–even her team appeared surprised–and it drew reactions from players past and present:
OMG Flavia did not just say that she finishes her career NOW!?!?? @flavia_pennetta #noooo
Pennetta, who has won 11 WTA singles titles, has experienced a lot of successful moments throughout her career, but there’s no question that hoisting the US Open Trophy after beating fellow Italian underdog and long-time friend Roberta Vinci was her crowning achievement.
Hanging up her racket after that kind of moment is move-script material, and Pennetta is clearly going to enjoy retirement.