It's ciao, Flavia as loss to Sharapova ends career

Flavia Pennetta's brilliant late-career flourish was brought crashing to a halt by Maria Sharapova on Thursday as defeat by the Russian sent her out of the WTA Finals and into retirement.

 The reigning US Open champion only needed to win a set against Sharapova to reach the semi-finals but after going a break up in the first set, she stuttered before losing 7-5, 6-1.

 The colourful Italian, 33, announced her retirement last month, just moments after becoming the oldest first-time Grand Slam winner at the US Open in New York.

 "Was a good way... to say goodbye, because when you lose against such a good player there is not too many things to say," Pennetta told reporters.

 "Right now I feel like it's not my last match. I feel normal completely. I don't know why. Maybe in few days I will feel more the difference. Right now it's so far so good."

 While the tennis tour bids arrivederci to Pennetta, Sharapova marched into the semi-finals after topping the Red Group round robin, followed by Agnieszka Radwanska in second place.

 The resurgent Russian, who has roared back to form after months out with injury, paid tribute to Pennetta as the Italian walked without fanfare from the Singapore Indoor Stadium court.

 "I’ve lost the last couple of times against Flavia," Sharapova said. "I know what a tough opponent and competitor she is and I just tried to get a little bit of my revenge before she’s out of the game!

 "I just heard this was her last match. It's really sad to see such a great champion go. She's had an incredible career, and I was so happy she got the Grand Slam at the US Open. I was smiling for her."

 Pennetta was in good company, as top seed Simona Halep's season also came to an end when she lost 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 to an inspired Radwanska, who finishes runner-up to Sharapova in Red Group.