Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova secured their spots in the Wimbledon final with thrilling victories.
Seventh-seed Jasmine Paolini made history by becoming the first Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon final, defeating Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(10-8) in a marathon semi-final. Despite dropping the first set and trailing in the second and third, Paolini’s determination saw her through a grueling 2 hours and 51 minutes on Centre Court. This victory follows her runner-up finish at the French Open, making it her second consecutive Grand Slam final.
“It was a roller coaster of emotions,” Paolini said, reflecting on her match against Vekic. “I fought for every ball.”
In the second semi-final, Barbora Krejcikova overcame 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The 2021 French Open champion rallied from a set down, showcasing her resilience and tactical prowess to earn her place in the final. Krejcikova’s victory marks her return to the Grand Slam spotlight, highlighting her versatility across different surfaces.
This year’s final guarantees a new champion, with the winner becoming the eighth different woman to lift the Wimbledon trophy in as many years. Krejcikova’s journey saw her recover from a 4-0 deficit in the opening set against Rybakina, ultimately winning crucial points to secure her victory.
Paolini’s semi-final was particularly dramatic, with Vekic leading in key moments and winning more points overall. However, Paolini’s persistence paid off as she converted her third match point when Vekic’s forehand went wide.
Paolini’s journey to the final is remarkable, given her previous struggles at Wimbledon. Before this tournament, she had never won a match at the All England Club and had a career record of 0-3 on grass courts. Her newfound success on grass follows her recent semi-final appearance in Eastbourne.
As the final approaches, Paolini remains focused yet relaxed. “These last months have been crazy for me,” she said, laughing. “Now I’m going to the ice bath because my legs are a little bit tired.”
The Wimbledon final will see Paolini and Krejcikova vying for their first Wimbledon title, promising an exciting and competitive match. Both players have shown remarkable skill and resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
