Jannik Sinner became America’s new highlight as he added another Grand Slam title to his portfolio. The 23-year-old swiftly took down Taylor Fritz in a highly anticipated battle that ended in three sets. This marked not just the second addition to his individual Grand Slam glory but also counted as the seventh major singles title for Italy. But did anyone else from his nation ever excel at Flushing Meadows? The answer is yes! Here’s everything to know about the former Italian WTA pro who sowed the seeds of Italy’s dominance on American soil.

Flavia Pennetta engraved her name in tennis history at the 2015 US Open as she became the first Italian to win the title before Jannik Sinner’s emergence. She defeated her compatriot and friend Roberta Vinci in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2, in a highly intense final. This match marked the first time two players ranked outside the Top 20 competed in the US Open final. Pennetta’s aggressive baseline game and powerful backhand proved too much for Vinci, allowing her to secure the win in just 93 minutes.

Pennetta set a record as the oldest first-time Grand Slam champion in the Open Era at the age of 33 years and 6 months. The all-Italian final featured a combined age of 66 years and 19 days, setting another record as the oldest women’s Grand Slam final, surpassing the previous record set at Wimbledon in 1977.

However, the most surprising moment came after the trophy ceremony. Pennetta shocked the world by announcing her retirement from tennis. “Before I started this tournament, like one month ago, I made a big decision in my life. This is how I would like to say goodbye to tennis,” she shared with the crowd, clearly emotional. “It’s what all the players want to do, going out with this kind of big trophy.”

Pennetta’s victory wasn’t just about winning a major title. She became the second Italian woman to capture a Grand Slam singles title, after Francesca Schiavone’s French Open triumph in 2010. Despite reaching the top of her career, she had already decided to step away from the sport. “I couldn’t think to finish a better way,” she said, signaling that her time on the court was over.

The 2015 US Open final was not only a remarkable moment for Pennetta but also for Italian tennis, as it introduced the depth of talent coming from the country. Pennetta’s role in Italy’s golden generation of tennis, alongside players like Sara Errani, Francesca Schiavone, and Roberta Vinci, was cemented in history. She was also part of four Fed Cup victories with the national team and had previous success in doubles, including winning the Australian Open title with Gisela Dulko in 2011.

When Flavia Pennetta predicted a similar fate for Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner has shown a meteoric rise in the ongoing season. The young Italian had a tremendous start, winning his first-ever Grand Slam title in Melbourne. Although the ups and downs of competition tried to derail him from his path to the world No. 1 title, he managed to rise back up stronger each time. During this journey, several ATP and WTA pros stepped forward to predict a bright future for the young champion, and Flavia Pennetta was one of them.

“Sinner is the more ‘focused’ one. I appreciate him a lot because he had the courage to change certain things when he could have remained in his comfort zone, without changing anything. Instead, he went looking for something new and that’s a great thing. I see it there, there’s not much to say,” Pennetta said, admiring the fact that Sinner is a focused player when it comes to optimizing greatness. As he became the second player from Italy to win the US Open title, it not only made Pennetta’s wish come true but also etched his name in the history books.