Italian fans are enticed by the prospect of Flavia Pennetta partnering fiance Fabio Fognini in mixed doubles love match at the 2016 Olympics. While Pennetta isn't preparing to extend her farewell tour, she hasn't completely ruled out a possible Olympic appearance.
Reiterating the retirement announcement she made after defeating good friend Roberta Vinci in the US Open final last month, Pennetta said she plans to conclude her playing career at the end of this month.
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The seventh-ranked Italian said if she qualifies for the year-end WTA Finals in Singapore, it will be her final tournament.
"I'm really happy with my decision, yes. I don't going to change nothing," Pennetta told the media in Beijing. "Of course, I would like to finish the year, so that's what I say before also in US Open. I'm here because I would like to finish in the high way I can do, and then it's over."
Currently in ninth place in the Race to Singapore, Pennetta is scheduled to pla Tianjin next week in an effort to qualify for Singapore, which starts on October 25th.
"I mean, for me, there is nothing going to change if I go to Singapore or not," Pennetta said. "My career is going to be over anyway. Of course, is going to be nice to go to Singapore. If I make it, it's okay. If I don't, I go on vacation."
In her post-match press conference following her US Open triumph, Pennetta left the door slightly open to the prospect of possibly playing the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next August.
The 33-year-old Pennetta said she has no current plans to play the Olympics, but added "if I want to play, I play."
"At the moment I don't have any idea to change my mind," Pennetta said in Beijing. "I'm really happy about my decision. I cannot tell you how I going to feel in February, January. If I feel I want to play, if I want to play, I play. I don't have to keep just one decision because I said something. I mean, nothing is going to change."
Pennetta has found personal contentment along with a career-high ranking.
"It's a good moment of my life. I mean, I have everything that I always would like to have," she said. "Professionally, I'm in the perfect moment. I won one of my favorite tournaments, one of the best tournaments in the world. I have my high ranking. I have the person that I love with me. I mean, I just can say I'm really happy."