Two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na has called Flavia Pennetta’s decision to retire shortly after claiming her maiden Grand Slam title a ‘great choice’.
The world No.8 defeated fellow countrywoman Roberta Vinci in the final of the US Open to clinch her first Slam title at the age of 33. Following her triumph in New York, she stunned the American crowd during her award ceremony where she announced her intention to retire from the sport at the end of the year.
Pennetta is playing her final tournament this week at the WTA Finals in Singapore. Speaking about Pennetta’s choice to retire, Li expressed support for the Italian who appears pretty decisive that she will not be returning back to the sport.
“I was just asking her, ‘(Did) you change your mind? She was like, ‘No. Never. Done”. Li said in Singapore
“I can absolutely understand because I know how hard it is on the tour. You know, tennis is a job. It’s part of life. You have to find the… real life or family. For her age, I think she has made a great choice,” she added.
Due to her Grand Slam win, the Italian is eligible for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Despite the temptation of Rio, the world No.8 has recently told New York Times writer Christopher Clarey that she has no intention to play in the tournament.
Pennetta’s last tournament got off to a disappointing start following a straight sets loss to top seed Simona Halep. Her next match in the round robin stage will be against Agnieszka Radwanska on Wednesday. The 33-year-old has played Radwanska nine times before and currently trails the head-to-head 3-6.
Pennetta will end her career after playing 49 Grand Slam tournaments, 25 WTA singles Finals (winning 11 of them) and 34 WTA doubles titles (winning 17 of them). She could also add one more title to her collection this week if she produces strong victories in her next two matches at this week’s WTA Finals.
