Italy’s Vinci stuns second seed Radwanska

Reuters: Roberta Vinci toppled second seed Agnieszka Radwanska to cap a rousing upset double for Italy at the US Open on Monday that also put her doubles partner Sara Errani into the women’s singles quarter-finals. Errani, the 10th seed, beat sixth-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany 7-6 6-3, and 20th seed Vinci followed onto Louis Armstrong Stadium court for a 6-1 6-4 shocker to end a doubly delightful afternoon for Italian fans at Flushing Meadows.

The victories put the Italian pair, who are seeded second and already into the quarter-finals of the doubles competition, into the singles quarter-finals against one another, but that was further cause for celebration, according to Vinci. “I’m happy to play against her, for sure an Italian goes to the semi-final,” said 29-year-old Vinci after improving on her fourth-round advance at this year’s Wimbledon championship that had marked her best grand slam result.

“She’s my best friend, so I’m very happy to play against her, for sure.”

Vinci said she was overjoyed to join the recent rise of Italian women’s players.

Vinci had lost all four of her previous matches against Radwanska, but she had her Polish opponent off balance in their Round of 16 clash. Vinci outplayed Radwanska with 29 winners, and made just one unforced error from the backhand side.