US Open 2015: Italy Prime Minister flies to New York for all-Italian women’s singles final

Renzi canceled his appointments and was flying to the United States with Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malago and Italian Tennis Federation president Angelo Binaghi, a statement from the premier’s office said.

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News of Vinci’s and Pennetta’s wins topped Saturday’s headlines in Italy.

“We love you,” said the front-page headline of the Gazzetta dello Sport, with a “NY” inside a heart that replaced the letter “O” in “love.”

The front page of mainstream daily Corriere della Sera featured photos above the fold of Pennetta and Vinci – both of them close to tears – next to a headline that read, “Two normal Italian girls have already made history.”

After Vinci’s come-from-behind victory over Williams – ending the American’s bid at a Grand Slam – Renzi tweeted in Italian: “Marvelous Flavia and Roberta!!!”

Vinci and Pennetta are both from the southern region of Puglia – located in the heel of boot-shaped Italy.

No Italian man or woman has won the U.S. Open singles title before.

Renzi is a big sports fan and a strong supporter of Rome’s bid for the 2024 Olympics.