US Open replaces Vinci’s stolen trophy

NEW YORK – The first thought that came to mind when Roberta Vinci reported a heartbreaking theft at her home in Italy was that the tournaments needed to spring into action.

Just over three weeks ago, all of the veteran Italian’s trophies were stolen. They represented a lifetime of sweat and tears.

And we wrote that it should start with the US Open, where Vinci’s run to the final in 2015 remains one of the more memorable ones in recent years. Not to mention her interview after she defeated Serena Williams.

That’s exactly what they did. During the afternoon of pre-tournament press conferences, USTA president Katrina Adams presented Vinci with a replacement of her runner-up plate from that 2015 final.

Singles plate now, dubs trophy to come

Adams said that the doubles championship trophies are custom-made. So the memento of her 2012 US Open doubles title with Sara Errani would take a little more time to replace.

But it will be.

Here’s how it went down.

“Lots of memories. It was a sad moment for me, but now that I have again this one it will be so nice,” Vinci said. “I would like to have another one”.