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Watch: Roberta Vinci’s interview after Serena Williams U.S. Open upset

Roberta Vinci delivered a memorable interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi following her upset of No. 1 Serena Williams in three sets in the U.S. Open women’s semifinals on Friday, ending Williams's hopes of completing the calendar Grand Slam.
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Roberta Vinci delivered a memorable interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi following her upset of No. 1 Serena Williams in three sets in the U.S. Open women’s semifinals on Friday, ending Williams’s hopes of completing the calendar Grand Slam.

Vinci apologized to the fans in attendance as she described what her victory meant to her.

“It’s an incredible moment for me. It’s like a dream. I’m in the finals ... I beat Serena. Sorry, guys,” Vinci told Rinaldi. “But for me, it’s an amazing moment. It’s incredible. It’s the best moment of my life.”​

She went on to clarify her apology when asked a second time by Rinaldi.

“For the American people, for Serena, for the Grand Slam … but today is my day,” Vinci added. “Sorry guys.”

Vinci will face fellow Italian Flavia Pennetta in the final at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday after the tournament’s No. 26 seed upset No. 2 Simona Halep 6–1, 6–3 on Friday.

Watch Vinci’s interview with Rinaldi below:

- Christopher Chavez