In an epic battle that could only be described as a marathon on grass, Jasmine Paolini emerged victorious against Donna Vekic in the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history. With a scoreline of 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8), this match was a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving fans on the edge of their seats and players on the brink of exhaustion.
A Match for the Ages
It was long, tearful, and overflowing with drama. The joy of the happiest little Italian of them all, Jasmine Paolini, was palpable as she clinched her spot in Saturday’s final. Her smile and exuberance lit up Centre Court, carrying the love of the crowd, while Donna Vekic faced a different emotional battle, wrestling with anxiety, self-doubt, and a history of near-misses.
After two hours and 51 minutes – a minute longer than Serena Williams’s 2009 epic against Elena Dementieva – Paolini secured her place in her second Grand Slam final of the summer, and her career. “It was really tough. She played a great match. I tried to fight every ball. But I am so happy with this win. This match, I will remember forever,” Paolini said courtside, barely containing her excitement.
The Tale of Two Players
Donna Vekic’s journey has been one of ups and downs, filled with potential that has yet to fully blossom. At 28, she stood on the brink of her first Grand Slam final, only to be thwarted by Paolini’s resilience and her own wavering confidence. Vekic, who once seemed out of place among the stars, has fought hard to carve her place in the tennis world, and this match was a testament to her enduring spirit.
On the other side of the net, Paolini, at 5ft 4in, played with a flair and joy that belied her size. Her serves were mini-bombs, launched from a height she could barely see over the net. Facing her was the imposing 5ft 10in Vekic, brooding and unsmiling, favored by few to win against the world No. 7.
Drama Unfolds
The match’s narrative twisted and turned with every point. Paolini struggled to break Vekic’s power play until the second set, finding cracks in Vekic’s game and confidence. As retired champion Ash Barty observed, “You can hear the crowd, they want to see some of the flair, the smile, of Paolini.”
Vekic was tantalizingly close to upsetting the odds, leading 3-1 in the third set after a rare 40-love hold. But anxiety spread through her racket like wildfire at key moments. When she motioned to her box to “stop” while dropping serve in the sixth game, she looked seriously dispirited.
The Tie-Break of Nerves
The match culminated in a nerve-shredding first-to-10 tie-break. Paolini double-faulted early, giving Vekic a brief advantage, but the Italian clawed her way back. The tie-break swayed back and forth like a pendulum: 5-5, 6-5 Vekic, 6-6, 7-6 Paolini, 7-7, 8-7 Vekic, 8-8, 9-8 Paolini. Finally, a wayward Vekic forehand slid into the tramlines, sealing Paolini’s victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jasmine Paolini won against Donna Vekic in the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history.
The final score was 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8) in favor of Jasmine Paolini.
The match lasted two hours and 51 minutes.
Paolini expressed her happiness and gratitude, saying, “I tried to fight every ball. But I am so happy with this win. This match, I will remember forever.”
Vekic battled anxiety, self-doubt, and key moments of faltering confidence, which ultimately cost her the match.
Conclusion
The record-breaking Wimbledon semi-final between Jasmine Paolini and Donna Vekic will be remembered as one of the great matches of SW19. It was a testament to Paolini’s tenacity and joy for the game, and a reflection on Vekic’s enduring struggle to fulfill her potential. As Paolini heads into the final, she carries with her the hopes of fans who have fallen in love with her flair and fighting spirit. Here’s to more thrilling tennis and unforgettable moments on the grandest stage of them all.
