NOS Sport•Thursday, 17:50•Modified Thursday, 20:35
Paolini reaches Wimbledon final following thrilling battle with Vekic
Jasmine Paolini has reached the final at Wimbledon, despite never having won a grass match until this year. The 28-year-old Italian number seven in the world was too strong for Croatian Donna Vekic (WTA-37) with 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8).
The Italian is the first tennis player since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach the finals of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year. In Paris, Paolini lost the final to Iga Swiatek in early June.
Paolini’s opponent in the final on Saturday is Czech Barbora Krejciková (WTA-31), who defeated Jelena Rybakina, the 2022 tournament winner, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Big fight
Paolini had to fight hard today, because with 2 hours and 54 minutes this was the longest women’s semi-final ever in Wimbledon history.
“It was really tough today. Vekic was hitting the balls everywhere, but I kept telling myself to keep going, even though my serves were bad. I will never forget this match.”
The first game on the London grass was immediately a test of strength between the two. After a long rally, Paolini managed to save two break points and won her own service game. It was even until 2-2, following which Vekic was significantly stronger.
Pro ShotsJasmine Paolini, at 1.63 meters tall, had to stretch quite a bit to hit the ball
In the second set, longer rallies followed almost immediately, with Paolini slowly trying to break down her opponent. Fatigue set in, Vekic missed the easy points more often.
Paolini – full of fighting spirit – dragged out a third set.
Rhythm
Vekic walked off the court following the second set and that did her good. She got back into her rhythm and immediately broke Paolini’s serve. A 3-0 lead was in the air, but a visibly irritated Paolini was just able to hang on, came back to 3-3 and got a match point at 5-4.
Pro ShotsDonna Vekic had to cry at times in the final phase of the match, she wanted to win so badly
Vekic, who has already been in the quarterfinals of the US Open and Roland Garros but has also suffered a lot of injuries, did not let it happen. With tears in her eyes she kept fighting, she even saved a second match point.
The set turned into a thriller, in which a tiebreak was needed. Neither side gave an inch. Paolini eventually got her third match point, which she did use.
Krejciková wins, Rybakina eliminated
Krejcikova, who has won seven Grand Slam doubles titles and Roland Garros in 2021, defeated Rybakina in three sets. Of the four semi-finalists, Rybakina, the world number four, was the highest-seeded player; Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff had already been eliminated and Aryna Sabalenka withdrew.
Pro ShotsBarbora Krejciková beats favorite Jelena Rybakina
Krejciková was impressed by her opponent. The 25-year-old Rybakina, who had lost two previous matches to her, left her without a chance in the first set with no less than nineteen winners.
The three-year-older Czech then played more offensively, varied with slice balls and steamed towards the net much more often. That paid off.
“It’s hard to describe what I feel. So many emotions and relief. I’m just so proud of my game and fighting spirit,” she said, stuttering followingwards. At Wimbledon, she had never made it past the fourth round.
