This article, written by Howard Fendrich (AP Tennis Writer), appears on Newsday.

Pennetta wins 1st Grand Slam title at US Open, won’t return

After winning her first Grand Slam title at age 33, while seeded 26th, by beating the woman who beat Serena Williams, Flavia Pennetta provided this U.S. Open full of surprises with one last twist.

After meeting her opponent, Roberta Vinci, at the net for a long hug — both from the southern heel of Italy’s boot, they were childhood friends, then doubles partners and roommates as teens — Pennetta let Vinci in on a little secret that would soon be shared with the world.

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