Jasmine Paolini showcased remarkable resilience and tenacity to secure her spot in the Wimbledon final, defeating Donna Vekic in the longest women’s semifinal in the tournament’s history. Despite trailing and facing potential defeat multiple times, Paolini emerged victorious with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8), in a match that lasted 2 hours and 51 minutes on Centre Court.
Paolini, the No. 7 seed, adopted a point-by-point approach and fought for every ball, which proved crucial in overcoming Vekic. “This match,” Paolini said, “I will remember forever.” Her victory is even more remarkable considering she had never won a match at the All England Club before this tournament and will now compete in her second consecutive Grand Slam final.
Paolini’s opponent in the final will be No. 31 Barbora Krejcikova, who defeated the 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Krejcikova’s comeback victory added to the drama of the day, as she rallied from being down 4-0 in the opening set to secure her place in the final.
The first semifinal between Paolini and Vekic was a rollercoaster of emotions, characterized by numerous shifts in momentum. Vekic, making her debut in a Grand Slam semifinal, won more points, delivered more winners, and broke serve more often than Paolini. However, Paolini’s determination and ability to capitalize on critical moments allowed her to clinch the win on her third match point when Vekic sent a forehand wide.
Paolini’s journey to the final is notable given her previous struggles at major tournaments. Before this year, she had never advanced past the second round in any of her 16 Grand Slam appearances. Her performance at Wimbledon follows her runner-up finish at the French Open last month, marking an impressive turnaround in her career.
Krejcikova, who has been a Grand Slam champion and ranked as high as No. 2 in singles, has now reached the finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams in 2016. Krejcikova’s journey to the final included overcoming a slow start and finding her rhythm mid-match to defeat Rybakina.
The upcoming final promises to be a thrilling contest as both players aim for their first Wimbledon title. Paolini, reflecting on her semifinal win, acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of the match but remained focused on the task ahead. “Now I’m going to the ice bath,” she said, “because my legs are a little bit tired.”
The Wimbledon women’s final will see a new champion crowned, continuing a recent trend of different winners at the tournament. For Paolini, her never-give-up attitude and remarkable resilience have set the stage for what could be the crowning achievement of her career.
