Flavia Pennetta is the new champion at Indian Wells, a year after a loss at the tournament got her thinking about retirement.

"I perfectly remember after the match with Francesca [Schiavone] last year, the day after I was in the garden running and talking with my physio, Max, almost crying because the feeling and everything was so bad... So I think without him, without my coach, my family, maybe I quit," she said. "And now, after one year, we have the trophy."

The 32-year-old Italian said the win, her biggest tournament victory, was an unexpected highlight of her career.

"After so many years so much work and everything, this is the moment I always waiting for, no?" she said. "And it's coming when you don't expect... because in the beginning of the week I never expect to be the champion or to be in the final or semifinal."

The 2013 U.S. Open semifinalist said the moment was equal to becoming the first Italian woman in the Top 10 five years ago.

"I was talking with my dad, and he told me everyone is so exciting with this moment. I mean, TV, radio, everyone talking about this moment," she said.

But after returning to No. 12 with this win, Pennetta says she does not have new expectations.

"I don't have any new goal after this tournament," she said. "I prefer to play every match in the same way, try to play my best tennis all the time when I go on the court."