Seventh seed Jasmine Paolini blazed past American Emma Navarro 6-2 6-1 on Tuesday, becoming the first Italian woman to make the Wimbledon semi-finals where she will meet experienced Croatian Donna Vekic.
The 28-year-old’s victory ensured she eclipsed compatriots Camila Giorgi (2018), Francesca Schiavone (2009), Silvia Farina Elia (2003) and Laura Golarsa (1989), who had all reached the quarter-finals at the grasscourt Grand Slam in the Open era.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s amazing to get the win in this special court. I’m so happy to be in the semi-final. I don’t know what to say in this moment,” a grinning Paolini said.
“It’s a dream to be here in this position … I was watching finals when I was a kid, on this court.
“I have to say today I played a really good match, she’s a really tough opponent, I lost (to) her three times in the last year, so it was tough.”
Navarro drew first blood in the third game with a forehand rocket but Paolini responded immediately and the French Open runner-up then ramped up the pressure after some heavy exchanges from the baseline to pull away for a 5-2 lead in the first set.
The diminutive Italian mixed things up against her American opponent to comfortably win her fifth straight game and take the first set in double quick time on Centre Court.
Navarro, who had never lost in three previous meetings with Paolini, gave herself a fighting chance with two break points in the third game of the next set but the 19th seed was unable to convert either.
The 23-year-old’s hopes of reaching a first Grand Slam semi-final faded further as Paolini took a 5-1 lead, having staved off another comeback attempt.
Paolini wobbled slightly as she looked to land the knockout blow on serve but a wayward shot from Navarro sent her through to a meeting with Vekic, who ended the fairytale run of New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun with a 5-7 6-4 6-1 win earlier.
“In the semi-finals you have to play tough opponents, and she’s playing amazing,” Paolini said.
“I hope to enjoy the next match, to give 100% and I’m going to fight on every ball. I’m just so grateful to be here another time, in front of you guys.”
LULU SUN’S DREAM-RUN ENDS
Lulu Sun hoped that her impressive Wimbledon performance will inspire people and grow tennis in New Zealand. The 123-ranked player came close to becoming only the second qualifier to reach the semi-finals at the major, following in the footsteps of Alexandra Stevenson 25 years ago.
Born to a Croatian father and Chinese mother, Sun captured hearts in New Zealand with her stellar Wimbledon campaign. She beat former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu in the fourth round before losing 5-7 6-4 6-1 to Donna Vekic on Tuesday. Despite the disappointment for fans watching late at night in New Zealand, Sun expressed her delight at making an impact.
“I’m honestly just really happy to see that in New Zealand,” Sun told reporters. “To have people watch tennis more and more and grow tennis in New Zealand itself, and also for future generations as well. I’m super pumped that’s happening. I can’t wait to grow.”
Sun’s effort is the best by a New Zealander at a major since Belinda Cordwell made the 1989 Australian Open semi-finals. She will also become the first player from the country to move inside the WTA top 100 since Marina Erakovic in 2015 and is expected to be at least in the top 60.
“Being inside the top 100 is going to help immensely. I’m going to be able to play more and more WTA tournaments, which is really nice, as well,” Sun said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Sun’s immediate focus will be the Paris Olympics, where the tennis tournament will begin on July 27. She is set to partner Erin Routliffe in the women’s doubles.
“I did enter myself in another tournament (Budapest) but unfortunately I have to withdraw because I don’t think I’ll have enough time to prepare for that one,” Sun said. “I’m super excited to be able to play at the Olympics.”
A bout of cramp may have hampered her against Vekic, but Sun said she had learnt valuable lessons about perseverance.
“I think the main one is just to keep fighting until the end,” she said. “Obviously through the qualifiers, that’s really important. And even in the main draw, as well. To just enjoy each match, enjoy tennis.”