Roberta Vinci Stuns Serena Williams; Sets up First-Ever All-Italian US Open Final
Roberta Vinci came back after losing the first set 2-6 to win the next two 6-4, 6-4 to beat defending champion Serena Williams.
Serena Williams saw her dream of a calendar year Grand Slam title sweep destroyed Friday as Italy's Roberta Vinci shocked the world number one to reach the US Open final against compatriot Flavia Pennetta.
Vinci battled back to stun the three-time defending champion 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, ending Williams' 33-match US Open win streak and 27-match Grand Slam win streak. (Also read: It's Federer vs Djokovic for US Open title | Paes-Hingis win mixed doubles crown)
In Saturday's final, Vinci will face 26th-ranked compatriot Pennetta -- who upset Romanian second seed Simona Halep 6-1, 6-3 -- in the first all-Italian Grand Slam women's final in the Open Era.
"I think she played out of her mind. I don't think I played that bad. I think she just played really well," said Williams.
Vinci was overjoyed by her shock win.
"It's an incredible moment for me," Vinci said. "It's like a dream. I'm in the final. I beat Serena.
"It's I think the best moment of my life."
Vinci apologized to the crowd for ending Williams' Grand Slam sweep dream.
"Sorry for the American people, for Serena, for the Grand Slam and everything. Today is my day. Sorry guys."