New York: Flavia Pennetta’s first major title - and surprise retirement announcement - drew congratulations from around the tennis world.
Serena Williams, whose Grand Slam bid ended on Friday with a stunning US Open semifinal loss to eventual runner-up Roberta Vinci, tweeted: “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.”
Pennetta is the second Italian woman to win a major championship. The first, 2010 French Open winner Francesca Schiavone, tweeted: “Fla, welcome to the club.”
Here are some other reactions from current and former players:
Caroline Wozniacki: “Wow!! @flavia_pennetta talking about finishing off in style!! Couldn’t happen to a nicer person! Congratulation and happy retirement!!”
Madison Keys: “AND what a way to go out @flavia_pennetta!! Enjoy retirement.”
Sabine Lisicki: “OMG Flavia did not just say that she finishes her career NOW!?!?? @flavia_pennetta #noooo.”
Jimmy Connors: “No better time to retire- on top and a Champion!! Well done!!!!!”
Andy Roddick: “Wow! How cool was that? Talk about walking off in style ....”
Finally, Nicolas Mahut, best known for losing the longest match in tennis history, can now be known for being a Grand Slam champion. The 12th-seeded French pair of Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert teamed up Saturday to win the US Open men’s doubles championship, beating eighth-seeded Jamie Murray of Britain and John Peers of Australia 6-4, 6-4.
It is the first major title for Mahut or Herbert.
Mahut lost to John Isner 70-68 in the fifth set of a first-round match at Wimbledon in 2010 that lasted 11 hours, 5 minutes, spread over three days.
Murray is the older brother of Andy Murray, who won singles titles at the U.S. Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013.
