Serena Williams has praised Roberta Vinci for playing "out of her mind" to win their US Open semi-final at Flushing Meadows.
The world number one was attempting to complete the calendar Grand Slam for the first time in her career, but the Italian came from a set down to reach her first major final.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion said at her post-match press conference: "I don't want to talk about how disappointing this is for me. If you have any other questions I'm open to that.
"She played out of her mind. I don't think I played that bad, made a few more unforced errors, but she played really well.
"I don't feel pressure, never feel pressure and never felt that pressure to win here. I said that from the beginning. I made a couple of tight shots, about two, but that is normal in any match for me."
Vinci will face compatriot Flavia Pennetta for the title in tomorrow's final.
Sian Cowper
