Evergreen Vinci Continues To Defy Father Time
Roberta Vinci
2016 Quick Hits
Week 1 Ranking: No.15
Year-End Ranking: No.18 (Career-High No.7, 5/9/2016)
Season Highlights: Title at St. Petersburg
Best Major Result: QF (US Open)
2017 Outlook
To the delight of her ever-growing fan base, Roberta Vinci recently backtracked on her previously stated decision to call it quits at the end of 2016.
Vinci began reconsidering her options as early as February, when she won the her most prestigious title yet, the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy. The feat also saw her become the oldest woman in WTA history to make her Top 10 debut.
Solid showings in Doha and Indian Wells enabled Vinci continue this rise into the spring, peaking at a career-best No.7. While the summer – on either side of the Atlantic proved a mixed bag – the US Open once again coaxed the best tennis from the 33-year-old, who carved through the first four rounds before falling to eventual champion Angelique Kerber.
Having mulled over her options, the evergreen Italian feels she still has plenty to offer, announcing her decision to Sports Illustrated last month. A refreshed Vinci will bring her anachronistic game to Australia, beginning in Brisbane, and despite turning 34 in February few would bet against one last hurrah.
”I still feel like I have the desire and enthusiasm to try and do something in what is perhaps the thing I’m best at, playing tennis,” she said.
“Now don’t start asking me if this will be my last year!!! See you in Australia.”