This content was published 6 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.

Roberta Vinci’s professional career came to an end on Monday when she was defeated in the first round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia by lucky loser Aleksandra Krunic 26 60 63.

Vinci announced on social media at the end of 2017 that this week’s tournament at the Foro Italico would be her last and encouraged her fans to come and support her for one final time. They took her at her word and there was no room to spare on Court Pietrangeli with fans standing three deep around the top of the court to catch a final glimpse of the Italian.

The 35-year-old has led a distinguished career, highlights include finishing as runner-up at the 2015 US Open, completing the doubles Grand Slam with Sara Errani, and reaching the No. 1 ranking in doubles – a position she held for 70 weeks.

Vinci caused arguably one of the biggest shocks in tennis history when defeating Serena Williams in the semi-finals at the 2015 US Open, bringing to an end the American’s bid to complete the calendar year Grand Slam. This victory secured her place in her first – and only – Grand Slam singles final where she lost to her childhood friend and compatriot Flavia Pennetta in the first all-Italian major final.

While Vinci just fell short in New York that day, her unorthodox playing style which features a one-handed slice backhand and frequent forays to the net, helped her to 10 WTA singles titles over her 20 year career. The biggest title of which came at the Premier event in St. Petersburg in 2016, a performance which helped her to a career-high singles ranking of No. 7 later that year.

Her most notable results came on the doubles court with long-time partner Errani. The pair claimed five Grand Slam titles together, completing the Grand Slam at 2014 Wimbledon, while Vinci triumphed at 25 WTA doubles events.

A member of four Fed Cup title-winning teams, Vinci compiled a 18-1 win-loss record in doubles, an Italian record, and a 23-8 win-loss record overall in the 15 years she played the competition and is a recipient of the Fed Cup Commitment Award.

During an on court presentation following the match, Vinci was shown a video montage of her career highlights before being presented with a bouquet of flowers.