"Not easy for a family to watch this" - Jasmine Paolini jokes about putting her parents through emotional rollercoaster in incredible Wimbledon SF win
Jasmine Paolini overcame a mammoth challenge from Donna Vekic in the Wimbledon semifinal, coming through in three hotly-contested sets 2-6, 6-4, 7-6[8]. The match lasted 2 hours and 51 minutes - the longest women's semifinal in Wimbledon history.
Until Thursday, the record was held by Serena Williams, who had beaten Elena Dementieva 6-7(4), 7-5, 8-6 in 2 hours and 49 minutes at the 2019 Wimbledon.
The semifinal between Paolini and Vekic was physically and mentally taxing for both players and they were understandably emotional towards the end. In her on-court interview, Paolini said she'll always remember the match.
The Italian focused on fighting for every point and tried not to look too far ahead. The strategy worked.
"I'm so happy with this win, I think... I don't know... this match, I will remember forever," Jasmine Paolini said.
"I was just you know trying to think about what to do on the court, point by point," she continued. "I was repeating to myself 'try point by point' because I was really close."
Paolini’s family was in attendance for the semifinal, with her mother Jaqueline particularly animated through the contest. Speaking about the support, the Italian said it could not have been easy for any player’s family to watch that match. She was also quick to express gratitude for her family's presence at the game.
"I think it’s not easy for the family to watch a match like this," Paolini said. "It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I’m so grateful they were here. They’ve been supporting me forever. I’m just so grateful to have them here watching."
"No place better than here to fight for every ball" - Jasmine Paolini after Wimbledon SF triumph
Paolini, who also made the French Open final last month, is making a habit of delivering on the big days. The Wimbledon Centre Court, however, remains extra special for her.
After the historic win over Vekic, Paolini said the Centre Court was the place to fight for every ball. She went on to thank the packed stadium crowd for its support.
"It was difficult, you know, but there is no place better than here to fight (for) every ball, every point," Paolini said. "I really, really enjoy to play in front of you guys."
"I mean, for a tennis player, this is, I think the best play place where to to play a match like this and I are really thank you for cheering for me," she added.
Paolini will take on the winner of the second semifinal between Elena Rybakina and Barbora Krejcikova in the final on Saturday, July 13.