At the 2012 US Open Vinci reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, at 29 years of age, by defeating then-world No. 2, Agnieszka Radwańska, in the fourth round. She lost to her doubles partner, world No. 10, Sara Errani, in the quarterfinals. Vinci achieved the same feat the following year when she defeated Camila Giorgi in the fourth round, but subsequently lost to Flavia Pennetta. Vinci was one of only three players in the WTA top 100 using a one-handed backhand.