Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Wrist pain has convinced Italy’s US Open champion Flavia Pennetta to make good on her decision to retire from tennis after winning the biggest title of her career at age 33. Pennetta beat compatriot Roberta Vinci in the Flushing Meadows final three months ago but has since gone back and forth about whether to actually retire from the WTA.

But recent developments may be making the decision for her: ‘My racket has been my friend for 20 years, it doesn’t feel bad if I stay on the bed for a couple of months. . . ” she told Italian media.

“Jokes apart, I will stay fit because I like to take care of my body. But for a little bit of time I will not play anymore. Also because I feel pain in my wrist and certainly I can’t recover if I keep playing. The doctor told me I only need rest to recover from it. I will surely follow this advice.”

Since announcing her “retirement” at the US Open trophy ceremony, Pennetta has competed at Beijing, Tianjin, Moscow and the year-end WTA Finals in Singapore. She also ducked over to India to compete t  the Champions Tennis League exhibition series. Now, her latest answer on her career seems somewhat more definite: “No. I repeat, I will not play anymore.”

Pennetta said that she would happily accept a position as Italian Fed Cup coach, if asked.

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.