US Open finalist Roberta Vinci has admitted that she "didn't expect to win" when she faced world number one Serena Williams in her semi-final at Flushing Meadows.
The unseeded Italian came from a set down to inflict just the third defeat of the year on the American, who had been attempting to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same calendar year for the first time in her career.
The 32-year-old said in an interview on court after her match: "This is an incredible moment for me, amazing. It is like a dream. I'm in the final, I beat Serena, phew. So many things are in my mind. It was an incredible match, I lost the first set, and tried to stay in every point. I tried to stay focused and not think about Serena. It is the best moment of my life.
"When I woke up this morning I said to myself I have a semi-final, just enjoy it, don't think about Serena. I didn't expect to win, but I won! I said in my mind 'put the ball on the court and run. And don't think about Serena on the other side of the court'.
"I'm sorry for the American people, for Serena, the Grand Slam, everything, but today is my day. I'm proud of myself, my fight and my game. I'd like to say thank you to my coach and my team, grazie! I will enjoy this moment today, and then tomorrow we will see."
Vinci will face fellow Italian Flavia Pennetta in the final after she defeated second seed Simona Halep in straight sets in the other semi-final.
Sian Cowper
