Jasmine Paolini made it through to a maiden Wimbledon final after a stunning comeback victory against a tearful Donna Vekic on Centre Court.
Paolini had never won a match at the All England Club before this summer, but is one win away from lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish after a rollercoaster 2-6 6-4 7-6 (10-8) success.
Seventh seed Paolini lost the opener thanks to Vekic’s explosive hitting before she levelled up, but found herself 3-1 down in the third.
Even when the French Open runner-up broke back, Vekic immediately responded with a break of her own, but Paolini would not be denied and, as her opponent battled to hold back tears, the Italian held her nerve to win a thrilling tie-break to book her place in Saturday’s final.
Paolini said: “She played unbelievable. She was hitting winners everywhere, I was a little bit struggling at the beginning but I was just repeating to myself to fight every ball and to improve a little bit.
“I am so happy with this win. This match, I will remember forever.
“There is no place better than here to fight and fight. I really enjoy playing in front of you guys. For a tennis player, it is the best match to play a place like this.
“I think it is not easy for the family to watch a match like this, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. I am so grateful they were here. They are supporting me forever. I am so thankful to have them here watching. Grazie!
“It is a dream. I was watching finals when I was a kid on this Wimbledon. I am just enjoying it and trying to live in the present, but the last months have been crazy for me.
“Now I am going to the ice bath to rest my legs because I am a little bit tired, but I am so happy to be in the final.”
At two hours and 51 minutes, the match was the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history.
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