Flavia's crowning moment

Flavia Pennetta won her first Grand Slam singles title Saturday, defeating Italian compatriot Roberta Vinci 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in the US Open women's final, then promptly retired.

Pennetta became, at 33, the oldest first-time Grand Slam women's champion in the Open era with the 93-minute triumph.

"It's a dream come true," Pennetta said.

But only moments after accepting the trophy, she said she had decided to retire after her ultimate victory.

"This is the way I would like to say goodbye to tennis. I'm really happy right now," said Pennetta, a 150-1 longshot to win the title when the Flushing Meadows fortnight began.

"Before this tournament I never thought I could come so far. I never thought I could be a champion."

After winning her first Grand Slam title at the US Open on Saturday, Flavia Pennetta dropped a bombshell during her trophy speech - that she was retiring from the sport.

But while some took it as this being her last match, it was in reality just her last US Open.

She clarified her announcement in her post-match press conference shortly after the final.

"I will play until the end of the year, but this was my last match here in New York," Pennetta said.

"I'm supposed to play Wuhan and Beijing," the Italian added. "Those are the only two I'm supposed to play. I think it's going to be the same schedule - I don't think I'm going to change too much."

But there's one potential change - she's projected to go from No.36 to No.6 on the Road To Singapore leaderboard, the year-long journey to the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

She was asked if she would be open to adding one more event if she needed to.

"Well, of course," she said. "If I have a chance, of course."

And when pressed about next year's Olympics, she seemed sure this was for real - well, almost sure.

"I mean, for the moment I'm so happy that I've taken this decision," Pennetta commented. "I don't feel - I don't want to change anything. I mean, I really think it's the best way. You never know.

"But for sure this was the last time for New York for me. For sure."

Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi was among 23,771 in Arthur Ashe Stadium watching the first all-Italian women's Grand Slam final of the Open Era.

"When I was younger I always wanted to be number one," Pennetta said.

"I was also thinking about winning in Rome, but I think Grand Slam may be a little better."

Friends since childhood in southern Italy, Vinci, 32, and Pennetta had the oldest combined ages of any Open Era Grand Slam final duo, beating the former mark of just under 64 years from when Virginia Wade beat Betty Stove in the 1977 Wimbledon final.

"It's tough to play against one player you know from a long time," Vinci said. "Was tough today but I tried to do my best. Flavia played unbelievable today. Great match."

"I love New York. Today probably this is my last cheeseburger, and then tomorrow pasta, real pasta at home," she said, raising her hands to the sky in mock relief.

Coming into the tournament, Vinci had only defeated two opponents in the top 30 all year.

Hardly a surprise, then, that she described her win over Williams as a miracle.

"Miracles can happen. Because I beat Serena, miracle. And then two Italians can reach the Grand Slam final, a miracle. And one Italian player can win a Grand Slam, another miracle," she said.

Vinci and Pennetta have been friends since they were nine and roomed together at the Italian tennis headquarters in Rome, but she has no intention of following the champion into retirement.

"I like to play tennis, so I have a passion," she said. "Now I have reached one Slam final, so I'm happy."