Flavia Pennetta announces retirement after US Open win

New York: Flavia Pennetta captured her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open on Saturday and said she was happy to head into retirement.

The 33-year-old beat fellow Italian Roberta Vinci 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to become the oldest first time winner at a major.

She the admitted she had made the decision before the tournament to call it quits.

"Before I started this tournament one month ago, I took a big decision about my life," said the 26th seed.

"I decided that this is the way I would say goodbye to tennis. This is my last US Open and I couldn`t think of finishing in a better way," said the 26th seed.

Playing in her 11th US Open, Pennetta said she was stunned to have gone so far in the competition.

"I`m really happy. I never thought I would get so far and never thought I would be a champion. This is one of my favourite tournaments, I enjoy playing here," she said of an event where she has consistently recorded her best results at the majors.

"It`s a dream come true, and it`s also nice to play with a friend of mine -- we have known each other since we were nine years old, we spend so much time together.

"We could write a book about our lives," added Pennetta after collecting the winner`s cheque for $3.3 million.

Vinci, the world number 43 and a year younger than her Fed Cup teammate, had stunned world number one Serena Williams in the semi-finals.

But she was unable to repeat that form on Satutrday.

"It was tough, I passed the 24 hours with a lot of things on my mind," she said.

"But I am really happy and happy for Flavia. It`s tough to play against a player who you have known for a long time. 

"I tried to play my best, but she played unbelievable and I have to say congratulations to her."