The world watched the first all-Italian women’s final in the history of the U.S. Open this weekend. Close friends Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci faced off in the Grand Slam. Both Pennetta and Vinci are from Puglia; they first played each other over 20 years ago and were roommates as students at a tennis academy in Rome.

We were impressed by their athleticism and sportsmanship, neither letting the intense competition affect their friendship. They shared an emotional embrace after the match finished with Pennetta’s victory.

At 33, Pennetta is the oldest first-time finalist in Grand Slam history, and the oldest first-time winner. She is the first Italian to win the Open.

Congratulations to Flavia and Roberta. They have made all Italian and Italian American women proud!