Greatness in any sport is all about unimaginable outcomes. And when it comes to Tennis, an unseeded player defeating a 21-time grand slam champion in a major semi-final game is convincing enough to call it one. Here is an Italian tennis player Roberta Vinci (32) who has been coming to the U.S Open every year since 2001, and reaches a career best - Round of 4. On the other side, we have a 21-time Grand Slam Champion, the phenomenal Serena Williams, who is marching her way towards a historic calendar year (which means winning the 4 grand slam tournaments - French Open, Wimbledon, Australian Open and U.S Open all in the same year). The odds of Serena losing this game was 1:30 before the start, noted major betting websites. This meant that anyone betting $100 on Vinci to win would get back $3000 on a successful outcome.
What was expected to be a dull, boring semi-final turned out later as one of the emphatic wins in grand-slam history. Vinci was a set behind, before regaining the courage to come back and win the 2nd and 3rd sets. The moment ended the American's dream, and left the American fans heart-broken. "Sorry Guys, Sorry to Serena and the American People, Today is MY Day", said Vinci during her post match interview.
The finals will feature Roberta Vinci against Flavia Pennetta, both Italians, making it a first-time ever All-Italian U.S Open Final.
Update: Vinci lost to Pennetta in the finals in straight sets, but she was more than happy with being the finalist, grabbing a $1.6M pay check. To everyone's shock, Pennetta declared it will be her last and final U.S Open, and will be retiring with this edition.
Update: Vinci lost to Pennetta in the finals in straight sets, but she was more than happy with being the finalist, grabbing a $1.6M pay check. To everyone's shock, Pennetta declared it will be her last and final U.S Open, and will be retiring with this edition.