Jasmine Paolini, the No. 7 seed, showcased remarkable resilience and skill as she stormed into her second consecutive Grand Slam final. Overcoming a set deficit, Paolini defeated Donna Vekic in a gripping Centre Court encounter at Wimbledon, winning 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8).
An Jasmine Paolini Unforgettable Wimbledon Showdown
“This match, I will remember forever,” Paolini declared on court after her victory. Twice trailing by a break in the final set, Paolini demonstrated her tenacity and secured her place in the final through a thrilling match tiebreaker. The intense battle, lasting two hours and 51 minutes, marked the longest-ever women’s semifinal at Wimbledon. Paolini now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between No. 31 seed Barbora Krejcikova and No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina.
A Stellar Season for Paolini
Paolini’s triumph at Wimbledon follows her impressive performance at Roland Garros, where she reached her first Grand Slam final. This season has been a breakthrough for the Italian star, who also clinched her first WTA 1000 victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. On grass, Paolini continued her exceptional form, losing only one set en route to the semifinals.
Donna Vekic’s Inspiring Journey
On the other side of the net stood Donna Vekic, also 28, who had been enjoying a stellar grass-court season. Vekic’s emotional quarterfinal comeback against Lulu Sun earned her a maiden semifinal berth, adding to her previous quarterfinal finishes at the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open. Grass has always been Vekic’s favorite surface, a love that began in her teenage years when she finished runner-up in Birmingham in 2013.
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Despite recent leg and foot injuries, and even contemplating retirement last month, Vekic refocused and delivered a strong grass-court campaign. She reached the final of the Bad Homburg Open and navigated four three-setters at Wimbledon, achieving her best major result in her 43rd main-draw appearance.
A Battle of Determination and Skill
Jasmine Paolini , leading their head-to-head 2-1, was favored to end Vekic’s Cinderella run, but Vekic came out strong. Pressuring Paolini’s second serve, Vekic secured the first break and reeled off five consecutive games, clinching the first set with twice as many winners as Paolini.
Paolini, no stranger to overcoming the odds, intensified her game in the second set. Saving three break points in two service games, she weathered Vekic’s powerful shots and, after a crucial overhead miss from Vekic, won seven of the next eight points, leveling the match.
A Thrilling Final Set
The third set saw Vekic initially outplay Jasmine Paolini, securing an opening break and consolidating it with a 112mph serve. However, Paolini, avoiding a double-break deficit, fought back to level the set at three games each. Vekic restored her lead with a thunderous forehand but, frustrated by the lack of an available ice bag, faltered and handed the break back to Jasmine Paolini.
Seizing the momentum, Paolini served her way to a 5-4 lead. Although Vekic saved a match point and forced a match tiebreak, Paolini remained composed. In the decisive tiebreaker, Paolini earned a third match point with a strong serve and finally converted, clinching one of the most memorable matches of the year.
Looking Ahead
Jasmine Paolini’s remarkable journey at Wimbledon continues as she prepares for her second straight Grand Slam final. Her performance highlights not only her physical prowess but also her mental fortitude. Tennis fans eagerly await the final showdown, where Paolini aims to crown her breakout season with a Grand Slam title.
