After continuing her late career resurgence in 2014, there will be no danger of Flavia Pennetta flying under the radar when the tennis world gets going again in January.
Flavia Pennetta was seriously considering her future in tennis. A poor run of form on her return from a career-threatening wrist injury led to some serious soul searching, the Italian coming "very close" to retirement before a revival, highlighted by a semifinal appearance at the 2013 US Open, nipped any such thoughts in the bud.
Despite turning 32 in February, there was no slowing down in 2014, and in March she won the biggest title of her career, upsetting Li Na and Agnieszka Radwanska to triumph at Indian Wells. This was by no means the campaign's only high point, quarterfinal runs at the Australian and US Opens, as well as a runner-up finish in Sofia, pushing Pennetta back up towards the Top 10 place she briefly occupied five years ago.
Unfortunately for Pennetta, her career resurgence was not quite enough to take her to the WTA Finals for the first time in singles, never seriously threatening Caroline Wozniacki for the final qualifying spot. She came even closer in doubles, teaming up with returning legend Martina Hingis for a silverware-laden summer that took them within touching distance of Singapore.
This late season form clearly impressed Adidas, her clothing sponsor, who have tied her down to a new two-year deal. The off-season also saw Pennetta recognized by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, earlier this week collecting the Collare d'Oro alongside her fellow Fed Cup teammates.
With all this adulation, there will be no danger of Pennetta flying under the radar again when the new season starts up in January. Pennetta begins her campaign in the second week of the year, at Sydney, before heading down the coast to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
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