Italy's Jasmine Paolini aims to cap off her "crazy" run to the Wimbledon final by winning her first Grand Slam title on Saturday against Barbora Krejcikova. Paolini's remarkable journey saw her survive the longest women's singles semifinal in Wimbledon history, defeating Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) in a gripping match that lasted two hours and 51 minutes on Centre Court.
Paolini, 28, is the first Italian woman to reach the final of the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam. She faces Czech 31st seed Krejcikova, who pulled off a stunning 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over 2022 champion Elena Rybakina in the other semifinal. This accomplishment is particularly astonishing for Paolini, who had not won a Tour-level match on grass until two weeks ago in Eastbourne and had previously exited in the first round in her three Wimbledon appearances.
The 2024 season has been a breakthrough for Paolini, who reached her maiden Grand Slam final at the French Open, where she lost to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Reflecting on her rapid rise, Paolini expressed disbelief at her success, saying, "Two Grand Slam finals in a row was crazy to believe." Seeded seventh at Wimbledon, Paolini acknowledged she might feel nervous as she chases her first major title but remains inspired by her gritty comeback against Vekic, who had a 3-1 lead in the deciding set before Paolini fought back.
Krejcikova, who is playing in her second Grand Slam final after winning the French Open in 2021, overcame a difficult year plagued by a back injury and illness. She found her form at Wimbledon, defeating 11th seed Danielle Collins, former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, and Rybakina. The two-time Wimbledon doubles champion draws inspiration from the late Jana Novotna, her former coach and 1998 Wimbledon winner. Krejcikova aspires to become the sixth Czech woman to win Wimbledon, saying, "I'm super happy I was able to fight through everything."
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