When Unlikely Grand Slam Finalists Lose, Many Never Get Back

Roberta Vinci’s upset of Serena Williams in the United States Open semifinals last year sent shock waves through tennis by slamming the door on Williams’s Grand Slam bid.

It also catapulted Vinci, then ranked No. 43 and better known for doubles success, into one of the most unusual Grand Slam finals in the Open era.

Vinci, 32, met her Italian countrywoman and longtime friend Flavia Pennetta, 33 and seeded 26th. Each was playing in her first Grand Slam singles final.

Pennetta won and announced after the match that she would retire at the end of the season.

Vinci has risen to No. 8 in the rankings, but it may take another magical run at a major to avoid ending up like other unlikely Grand Slam…