Paolini beats Vekic in Wimbledon

In a long, emotional, and drama-filled match, Jasmine Paolini emerged victorious over Donna Vekic in the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history. Paolini’s joy was palpable as she basked in the support of the crowd, contrasting with Vekic’s emotional struggle. Vekic battled anxiety and self-doubt, reflecting on a career that once held promise but has been marred by setbacks.

The match, lasting two hours and 51 minutes, surpassed Serena Williams’s 2009 semi-final against Elena Dementieva by a minute. Paolini triumphed with scores of 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8), securing her second slam final of the summer and her career. “It was really tough. She played a great match. I tried to fight every ball,” Paolini said courtside. Her gratitude towards her family and the fans was evident as she relished the moment, acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster of the past month following her French Open final appearance.

In contrast, Vekic had much to process. At 28, she came close to her first grand slam final, a dozen years after her early promise was first noted in New York. Despite her powerful forehand and intimidating serve, she fell just short. Vekic’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including a period of numerous first-round exits that nearly led her to quit the game. However, her recent form suggested a resurgence.

The match highlighted the contrasting styles and attitudes of the two players. Paolini, at 5ft 4in, played with flair and joy, while the 5ft 10in Vekic presented a more imposing and serious demeanor. Despite being ranked 37th, Vekic was close to upsetting the world No. 7, Paolini.

The tension peaked in the third set tie-break, with both players exhibiting nerves. Paolini double-faulted early, but Vekic’s unforced errors allowed Paolini to stay in contention. The tie-break swung back and forth until Paolini finally clinched the match at 9-8, with Vekic’s last forehand drifting out.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Paolini, while Vekic, despite the loss, showcased her resilience and potential for future success.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Guardian.