Roberta Vinci’s trophies stolen

WASHINGTON – In yet another example of substandard humanity, Italian veteran Roberta Vinci announced on Instagram today that her home in Taranto was robbed a few days ago

In addition to items of varying monetary value, the thieves also took something priceless: the tournament trophies she has spent her entire life working for.

“From the day I held a racquet for the first time until now I have battled, sweated for tennis and to achieve my goals in this sport. These trophies are merely symbolic. But they remind me every day as I train, get on the court, and try to improve every time,” Vinci wrote, in Italian, on Instagram.
“Stealing these trophies is a stupid and cowardly gesture. But I would like to know who now is in possession of the memories, tears, sweat, fatigue, smiles, commitment and sacrifices made to reach my goals in this sport. No one can take them away – not from me, nor from the people who have walked this road along with me.”

From the usually private Vinci, this is just heartbreaking.

The 34-year-old has 10 singles titles and 25 titles in doubles.

Call to action

The first thing that has to happen is for the US Open to step up and have a replica of her beautiful 2015 runner-up plate made. Preferably, that would be done in time for the tournament later this month – and engraved with the day and year.

Vinci also has singles titles in St. Petersburg, Katowice, Palermo, Dallas, Barcelona, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Budapest, Luxembourg and Bogotá. Some of those tournaments are no more.