Italian festival

Pennetta, ranked 83rd as she battles back from surgery on an injured right wrist that kept her out of last year's tournament, said times had changed for veteran players on the women's side.

"I think we just keep playing. Before the career of the woman was shorter, they retired early," Pennetta said.

"It's good to stay physical, in a good way, and play this good tennis at this age. I'm proud of me now."

Flavia Pennetta of Italy reacts after defeating compatriot Roberta Vinci at the US Open tennis championships in New York, Sept 4, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

The good-natured match between friends who have competed against one another since they were 10 turned into a rout by the second set, which Pennetta raced through in 24 minutes against an error-prone Vinci.

"It was, of course, a special day for us," said Vinci, who is part of the world number one ranked women's doubles team with fellow Italian Sara Errani, and still busy defending their US Open double title.

"This time she won, but I think that I'm happy, too, about this tournament."

Pennetta continued a strong history of success at Flushing Meadows.

After advancing to the quarters in 2008, 2009 and 2011, Pennetta has not dropped a set in her march to the semi-finals, dropping just 25 games in her five victories.

"I don't know. I just enjoy to play here," she said.

Their quarter of their draw was something of a festival for the Italians.

In playing Pennetta, Vinci was facing her third successive compatriot, having beaten unseeded Camila Giorgi and Karin Knapp in previous rounds. Pennetta eliminated fourth seed Errani in the second round.