In a match that sent shockwaves through the tennis world, Flavia Pennetta stunned Roberta Vinci in the 2015 US Open final, bagging her lone Grand Slam title in singles. The Italian phenom, who hung up her racket shortly after, recently sat down with Gazzetta dello Sport to reminisce about that monumental day in New York.

“Stepping back onto Arthur Ashe was emotional,” Pennetta recalled. “It brought back memories of that incredible final. I couldn’t feel the exact same joy again, but it was magical nonetheless.”

She also admitted that, although she’s followed her husband Fabio Fognini‘s career, she hadn’t been eager to watch tennis in full. “Now, I enjoy analyzing matches and understanding the game from a different perspective,” she shared.

Pennetta, though open to offering advice, doesn’t see herself as a full-time coach. “It’s a massive shift, going from a player to a coach. I prefer my current balance,” she explained.

As for Fognini’s future, Pennetta believes he needs more time to disconnect and decide if he wants to pursue coaching. “He might like to give advice here and there, but I think he’s still processing things,” she said.

“I’ve got no regrets about my career,” Pennetta declared. “I loved it, good times and bad. I don’t miss it, either. Athletes are lucky – we can retire early and choose what to do next.” She’s made her dreams, bigger than she could have imagined.

Why did Flavia Pennetta retire after winning the US Open?
“I felt like I had achieved everything I set out to accomplish in tennis. Retiring felt like the right decision.”

What has Flavia Pennetta been up to since retiring from tennis?
“I’ve been involved in various TV commentator roles, including for the US Open. I also enjoy staying active and spending time with my family.”

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