For the eighth successive year, Wimbledon will crown a new women’s singles champion. Day 11 brought intense and thrilling action as two tenacious players, Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova, staged remarkable comebacks to secure their places in the final. Here’s a look at how these edge-of-your-seat matches unfolded at SW19.
Paolini Fires Back-to-Back
In what can only be described as an early contender for the match of the season, World No.7 Jasmine Paolini continued her stellar year with a gripping 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 [10-8] victory over Donna Vekic. The match, lasting two hours and 51 minutes, became the longest women’s semifinal in Wimbledon history.
Paolini, who was the runner-up at Roland-Garros last month, faced two match points late in the third set and was down 7-8 in the decisive tie-break. However, she turned the tables in a thrilling finale.
“This match I will remember forever,” said the 28-year-old, marking a historic achievement as the first Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon singles final. “It was really tough. At the beginning, I was really struggling. She was serving really well. She was making me run every ball. I was just trying to repeat to myself to keep going, try to be close to her, just believe that the match can turn whenever.”
Joy for Jasmine ✨
Jasmine Paolini wins an absolute classic on Centre Court, defeating Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(8) to reach the #Wimbledon final pic.twitter.com/c2FC9MzZmY— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2024
Paolini’s journey to the finals at both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon in the same season makes her the first woman to do so since Serena Williams in 2016. Reflecting on her achievement, she said, “Two Grand Slam finals in a row was crazy to believe. I'm also surprised how, until now in this moment, I'm living this.”
Paolini remains humble and grounded despite her success. “I feel maybe Saturday I will be so nervous, I don't know. But I feel also relaxed. I'm the same person. I'm doing the same things. I'm surprising myself to live this with a really relaxing mood. I don't want to say more because maybe Saturday I'm going to be shaking.”
Novotna Inspires Krejcikova Comeback
Barbora Krejcikova, the 2021 Roland-Garros champion, faced a formidable opponent in 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. At 4-0 after just 19 minutes, it seemed Rybakina was on her way to another final. However, Krejcikova, who had never defeated a Top 5 player in any Grand Slam match and had struggled with illness and a back injury throughout 2024, found her form just in time.
Utilizing her power-absorption skills and versatility, Krejcikova managed to deny No.4 seed Rybakina with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. “Unbelievable, it is very tough to explain, but a lot of joy and a lot of emotions. Also, there is a lot of relief, and I am super proud of my game and my fighting spirit today,” stated the 28-year-old.
Krejcikova credited her resilience to the guidance of her former mentor, Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion. Novotna’s tragic death in 2017 left a lasting impact on Krejcikova. “A couple of years I was working with Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon winner,” she said. “She was telling me a lot of stories about her journey here and how she was trying to win Wimbledon. I was so far away when we had this talk. Now I am here, and I am in a final!”
BARBORA KREJCIKOVA IS A WIMBLEDON FINALIST 🇨🇿
The Czech comes from a set down to beat 2022 champion Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Yo57VVuC4T— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2024
Krejcikova’s emotional connection to Novotna was evident as she reflected on her mentor’s influence. “I remember thinking about her a lot. I have so many beautiful memories, and when I step on the court, I fight for every single ball as that is what she would want me to do.”
The Final Showdown
As Paolini and Krejcikova prepare to face off in the Wimbledon final, both players carry stories of resilience, inspiration, and remarkable comebacks. Paolini’s historic run and Krejcikova’s tribute to her late mentor add layers of emotion and anticipation to what promises to be an unforgettable match.
With the stage set for Saturday’s final, tennis fans worldwide eagerly await the crowning of a new champion at The All England Club. Will it be Paolini, continuing her dream season, or Krejcikova, channeling the spirit of her mentor? Only time will tell.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: X(Wimbledon)
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