Vinci Calls It a Career in Rome

May 14, 2018 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff

A wild card at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, Italian Roberta Vinci called it a career Monday after her opening round loss to Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia, 2-6, 6-0, 6-3.

During her 20-year career, Vinci captured four Fed Cups with Italy, also winning five Grand Slam doubles titles and won 25 WTA double titles.

“Now, I can relax, and I don’t think about the slice and dropshots and everything,” said Vinci post-match. “Next is ice cream, coffee, shopping … no rackets, no tennis!”

This is not the first time Krunic played the role of spoiler to an opponent’s career, as just last year, having defeated Kimiko Date, 6-0, 6-0, at the Japan Women’s Open in what was Date’s final match.

“I am crying, but I am happy that this day has come,” Vinci told the crowd in Rome. “I am proud of all I have done and the difficult moments I had to overcome in these years. Although I lost, I am proud of being here today. Thank you all.”

Of all the wins over her 20-year storied career, the one Vinci ,may be the most famous for was a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 semifinals win over Serena Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open, ending Serena’s pursuit of a Calendar Grand Slam. She would advance to the finals in Flushing Meadows to face fellow countrywoman Flavia Pennetta, but would fall 7-6(4), 6-2 to her longtime friend.

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
USTA NTC
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