World No. 43 Roberta Vinci did what many thought was impossible, taking out No. 1 Serena Williams and ending her Grand Slam quest in one of the greatest upsets of all-time on Friday, beating the American, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Here are a few facts on this surprising 2015 US Open finalist:
- The Italian is a three-time year-end world No. 1 in doubles, finishing at the top of the rankings from 2012 to 2014 with compatriot Sara Errani.
- Vinci reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 11 in 2013.
- Her previous best Grand Slam results were quarterfinal appearances at the US Open in 2012 and 2013. She has never advanced past the fourth round at any other major.
- With her victory, Vinci became only the third unseeded women’s singles player in the Open era to reach the US Open final. The other two were champion Kim Clijsters (2009) and finalist Venus Williams (1997), who have combined for 11 Grand Slam titles.
- Vinci has won five Grand Slam titles in doubles, including the 2012 US Open.
- In her four prior singles matches against Williams, Vinci won a total of 21 games – and no sets – in the eight sets they played. The closest set was 6-4.
