Wimbledon 2024: Paolini’s Epic Semi-Final Victory Over Vekic

Jasmine Paolini celebrates with a yell after winning a point during her Wimbledon 2024 semi-final match.

In a match that will be etched in annals of Wimbledon history, Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini emerged victorious over unseeded Donna Vekic in a nail-biting semi-final that lasted two hours and 51 minutes. This extraordinary contest is now the longest women’s semi-final in the tournament’s illustrious history.

Jasmine Paolini, who had never won a match at Wimbledon before this July, now boasts an impressive six-match winning streak. However, none of these victories was as dramatic or nerve-wracking as this semi-final against Vekic. The Italian’s journey to the final was fraught with tension, determination, and a never-say-die attitude.

After dropping the first set 2-6, Paolini appeared in dire straits. Vekic, despite nursing an injury to her right arm, was just two games away from victory in the final set, leading 4-3 with a break in hand. Yet, Paolini’s resilience shone through as she clawed back into the match.

The match reached its zenith in a dramatic 10-point tie-break. Paolini trailed at 3-1, 6-5, and 8-7, but her indomitable spirit and the electrifying support of the Centre Court crowd propelled her to a stunning win. With this victory, Paolini secured her place in her first Wimbledon final.

“It’s incredible when you’re able to witness two athletes giving their absolute all, leaving everything on the court,” remarked 2021 champion Ash Barty on BBC TV. “The uncertainty, the unpredictability of sport – it can be crushing, but it can be so euphoric as well, and that’s what we’ve seen.”
Raw Emotions and Unmatched Passion

The emotional rollercoaster was palpable throughout the match. Paolini’s euphoria contrasted sharply with Vekic’s heartbreak, highlighting the sport’s cruel yet enthralling nature. “Sport is cruel, isn’t it?” Barty added, encapsulating the sentiments of many spectators.

Both players wore their hearts on their sleeves, a rarity in today’s highly competitive tennis landscape. Paolini breezed past Emma Navarro in just 58 minutes in her previous match, but this semi-final showcased the best of women’s tennis.

“The way these women fought – they both showed their emotions more than most players,” noted nine-time Wimbledon singles champion Martina Navratilova. “That’s what gets this crowd excited, to see the players love the sport so much, want it so badly, and be so happy and depressed, and come back again.”

A Career-Best Run for Vekic

Even the most ardent Paolini supporters would have felt sympathy for Vekic. The Croatian was close to quitting tennis before Wimbledon but demonstrated resilience by defeating notable opponents, including 28th seed Dayana Yastremska, former world number two Paula Badosa, and Lulu Sun. At 28, Vekic will rise to 21st in the world rankings, shy of her career best.

“I hope she doesn’t quit tennis because this should indicate that she can keep going,” said six-time champion Billie Jean King, who watched the match from the Royal Box. “Whoever won deserved it. They both deserved the win. My hat goes to both of them, but I feel so sorry for Vekic.”

Paolini’s Rising Career Trajectory

As Vekic contemplates her future, Paolini’s career is on an upward trajectory. Only in May did she surpass the last 16 of a Slam for the first time, reaching the French Open final before falling to Iga Swiatek. Paolini has become the first player since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach back-to-back Roland Garros and Wimbledon finals.

“Paolini is 5ft 4in; she knows she will have to run,” added King. “She makes up for it in speed and her love of playing.”

The Final Showdown

Paolini, the seventh seed, will face 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic in final, guaranteeing an eighth different female winner since 2016. Barty emphasized Paolini’s positive attitude as a key factor in her success. “Her energy lifted so much in that second set,” Barty said. “The crowd got behind her, her feet moved faster, she was positioned better, she had more speed on the ball, and then suddenly there is this belief she can win. There’s no ball she doesn’t run or fight for. She always tries to make her opponent play that extra ball.”