By Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova are set to face off in the Wimbledon final after both secured remarkable comeback wins in their semi-final matches.
Paolini, who had not won a match at Wimbledon prior to this tournament, is now on the cusp of claiming the Venus Rosewater Dish following a nail-biting 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) victory over Donna Vekic. The match, which lasted nearly three hours, broke records as the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history.
The Italian player, seeded seventh, initially struggled against Vekic’s powerful play but managed to level the match. Despite trailing in the third set, Paolini fought back, and in an emotional tie-break, she emerged victorious, securing her spot in the final.
Paolini has made history as the second player in the Open Era to reach the Wimbledon women’s singles final without a main draw win at the start of the year, following Justine Henin in 2001. She is also the first Italian female player to achieve several milestones, including reaching the Wimbledon final, making Grand Slam finals at different events, earning 15 wins in the first three majors of the year, and reaching WTA finals on hard, clay, and grass in a season.
In the second semi-final, Czech 31st seed Krejcikova stunned 2022 champion Elena Rybakina with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win, marking her entry into her first Wimbledon final. Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open winner, overcame a strong start from Rybakina, who had dominated the first set with 19 winners. However, Krejcikova’s resilience and strategic play turned the match around, earning her a place in the final.
Krejcikova paid homage to her late coach Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion, expressing deep emotions and pride in her achievement. She becomes the fifth Czech woman to reach a Wimbledon singles final in the Open Era.
Both Paolini and Krejcikova have demonstrated exceptional tenacity and skill, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and historic Wimbledon final.
