The Island’s Italian community were glued to their television screens on Saturday evening to witness history being made for their homeland in the US Open.

Flavia Pennetta beat compatriot and childhood friend Roberta Vinci to win her first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows in New York.

Pennetta become only the second Italian woman to win one of the tennis majors, while it was the first time that two Italians had contested a major final.

Bermuda tennis player Erica Bove, whose family originate in Italy, said the final was a “fairy-tale” for Italian women’s tennis.

Ms Bove, who won two gold medals for Bermuda in the 2013 Island Games, added: “Everyone in Italy would have been glued to the game, I know I was. I’m sure it will inspire a new generation of young tennis players back home.

“It’s big news for Italy. I’m sure both women will return home as heroes.

“It was a very important day for me as a tennis player but also as an Italian.”