She came, she saw, she conquered. It was spectacular and surprising. And when it was over, Flavia Pennetta, who had competed in 48 major tournaments before winning one— a record in women's tennis—became a U.S. Open champion. To do so, she beat not the Grand Slam–chasing Serena Williams, but an assortment of top-tier talent. Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova, world No. 2 Simona Halep, and 2011 U.S. Open champ Samantha Stosur all fell at Pennetta's racquet. Here's a sampling of the social-media chatter swirling around this unlikely and ultimately exhilarating championship.
Always reassuring to see that your one-time doubles partner, with whom you rose to the apex of the doubles game still has your back.