Pennetta honoured in Rome

The WTA on Tuesday paid tribute to Flavia Pennetta – at her home tournament, the Internazionali BNP d’Italia in Rome – in honour of her astounding career.

WTA CEO Steve Simon and fellow Italian Grand Slam Champion Francesca Schiavone sang praises not just for her tennis, but about her charisma and personality as she was surrounded by fellow players and colleagues from throughout her career.

“It was so nice to have the people here with me,” said Pennetta, the reigning US Open champion and former world No.6, after the ceremony.

“The girls, Steve Simon, the WTA made an unbelievable video for me and I really appreciate everything. Like I said, this is my family. This was my family for such a long time. It’s not finished. We spend so much time together. It’s normal to feel this emotion.”

Flavia Pennetta made Italian tennis history several times in her 15-year professional career.

She became the first Italian woman to break into the singles Top 10, to earn the doubles No.1 ranking, and to win the US Open, the latter she achieved in the first all-Italian Grand Slam final against Roberta Vinci.

She played her last official match at the 2015 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

Commenting on what she wants her legacy to be to the sport of tennis, Pennetta said: “I would like to continue working in tennis to give advice to the young people. I love my sport and want to give all that I have inside to other people.”