Flavia Penetta has overcome compatriot Roberta Vinci in the US Open final, becoming the oldest first-time women's grand slam winner in history.
The 33-year-old secured the match 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 before announcing her retirement from the game during her acceptance speech.
It caps off a remarkable comeback following a crippling wrist injury which had her pondering retirement earlier in the year, this victory claimed as the second lowest seed in the Open era (26th).
"Before I start this tournament one month ago I take a big decision in my life," Pennetta said before hoisting the trophy and accepting the US$3.3 million (NZ$5.2m) winner's cheque.
"This is the way I would like to say goodbye to tennis. I'm really happy. Is what all the players seem to want to do, to go out with this big trophy home. And so this one was my last match at the US Open and I couldn't think to finish a better way."
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