The longest women’s semifinal in tournament history saw Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini overcome unseeded Donna Vekic 2-6 6-4 7-6 (10-8) in two hours and fifty-one minutes of breathtaking sporting drama.
Until July, Paolini had never won a match here. Though none has been more nerve-wracking than today, she has now won six straight.
Paolini was in jeopardy following his crushing opening set loss. Despite being limited by a right arm injury, Vekic was two games from victory at 4-3 and a break down in the last set.
With two match points in hand, Paolini battled back as the thrilling match neared its appropriately dramatic finish.
Paolini trailed 3-1, 6-5, and 8-7 in an exciting 10-point tie-break, but the immensely popular Italian, with a never-say-die mentality, pulled off an incredible victory, much to the joy of a jubilant Centre Court.
On TV, 2021 champion Ash Barty stated, “It’s incredible when you’re able to witness two athletes giving their absolute all, leaving everything on the court.”
“We’ve seen that the unpredictability and uncertainty of sports can be both exhilarating and devastating.
