Sharapova Sends Pennetta Off Into Retirement – Gallery

The long & successful career of Flavia Pennetta found a fitting end in Singapore on Thursday as the reigning US Open champion played her last competitive match against Maria Sharapova.

Playing in front of an almost capacity crowd in Singapore’s Indoor Stadium, Sharapova brought her A-game despite being already qualified for the WTA Final’s semi-final stage, beating Pennetta in straight sets, knocking the Italian out of the tournament and sending her off into retirement.

After it was all sad and done, Pennetta received a hug at the net from the five-time slam champion, a rare honor only few players have had before.