Wimbledon Witnessess Historic Upset: Unseeded Jasmine Paolini Outlasts Donna Vekic in Record-Breaking Semifinal

Jasmine Paolini demonstrated remarkable resilience Thursday, repeatedly coming back against Donna Vekic in what became the longest Wimbledon women’s semifinal on record. Despite dropping the opening set and facing defeat twice in the last two sets, Paolini managed a thrilling 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) victory over the unseeded Vekic, securing her place in a second consecutive Grand Slam final.

Paolini, seeded No. 7, attributed her perseverance to a mindset focused on taking it “point by point” and fighting “for every ball.” This approach paid off after 2 hours and 51 minutes of intense play on Centre Court. “This match,” Paolini said, “I will remember forever.”

The victory propels Paolini into the final against No. 31 Barbora Krejcikova, who overcame 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 battle. The triumphs of Paolini and Krejcikova ensure that Saturday’s final will produce the eighth different women’s champion at the All England Club in as many years.

Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion, showcased her own resilience by recovering from a 4-0 deficit in the first set to ultimately defeat Rybakina. “During the second set, somewhere in the middle, I was getting my momentum,” Krejcikova said. “And when I broke her, I started to be in a zone — and I didn’t want to leave the zone.”

However, it was Paolini’s match that captured the most drama. Vekic, making her first Grand Slam semifinal appearance, claimed more points (118-111), delivered more winners (42-26), and broke serve more often (4-3). Despite this, Paolini’s unwavering determination saw her through, culminating in a third match point where Vekic’s forehand went wide.

Paolini, a 28-year-old from Italy, is now the first woman to reach the final at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season since Serena Williams in 2016. Reflecting on her recent success, Paolini said, “These last months have been crazy for me.” 

The semifinal proved grueling for both players. Vekic, visibly distressed and in pain, was in tears during the third set, contending with injuries to her arm and leg. “I thought I was going to die in the third set,” Vekic said post-match, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the contest.

Paolini’s journey to this point is particularly surprising given her past struggles at major tournaments. Prior to this year, she never advanced past the second round in any Grand Slam and had a career record of 0-3 at Wimbledon until this fortnight.

Conversely, Krejcikova’s presence in the final is less of a surprise, given her status as a former Grand Slam champion and previous high rankings in both singles and doubles. She tearfully dedicated her performance to her late mentor, Jana Novotna, a Wimbledon champion in 1998. “I have so many beautiful memories, and when I step on the court here, I’m just fighting for every single ball,” Krejcikova said. “I just miss her very much. I miss her so much.”

As the final approaches, both Paolini and Krejcikova will bring their recent form and fighting spirit to the court, each aiming to become the latest to lift the Wimbledon trophy.