Barbora Krejcikova will face Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final as a new women’s champion will lift the Venus Rosewater Dish on Saturday afternoon after a stunning day of semi-finals. Both matches went the distance, in the first time in 20 years both women’s semi-finals went to three sets.
Krejcikova, the former French Open winner, stunned title favourite Elena Rybakina in a three-set comeback to reach her first Wimbledon singles final. Rybakina, the champion in 2022, looked to be cruising towards the final but Krejcikova turned the match around. The 28-year-old Czech had never previously gone beyond the fourth round at the All England Club.
That’s still a comparatively starry Wimbledon resume compared to Paolini, who had never even won a match on grass until this summer, but who is now the first Italian woman to reach a final at SW19. This year’s French Open runner-up achieved that feat by beating Donna Vekic in a match that also made history on Thursday: as the longest-ever women’s semi-final at Wimbledon.
Vekic was left in tears during a tense game late in the third set, before Paolini won an epic tiebreak to complete a comeback victory.
Follow all the latest scores and match updates from Wimbledon below:
Wimbledon 2024 reaches women’s semi-finals day
KIERAN JACKSON: Jasmine Paolini defeats crestfallen Donna Vekic in record-breaking semi-final
ALEX PATTLE: Barbora Krejcikova stuns Elena Rybakina in strange but absorbing semi-final
GAME, SET & MATCH! Paolini wins epic tiebreak after tense game leaves Vekic in tears
GAME, SET & MATCH! Krejcikova comes from behind to stun Rybakina in second semi-final
Novak Djokovic handed walkover to semi-finals afer Alex de Minaur withdraws injured
Thursday 11 July 2024 21:00 , Jamie Braidwood
“I’m feeling amazing. Today has been a really, really tough match. So emotional match. Yeah, I’m just feeling so great, yeah.
“I never played against Barbora, but she’s a Grand Slam champion. She play tennis unbelievable. I practice with her sometimes.
“It’s going to be a Wimbledon final, so it’s a different kind of match, I think. As I said, it’s always the same things the goal: to try to serve well today I didn’t, I have to say to try to return as many balls as possible, and to control the point.
“On the grass is tough to defend. So the goal Saturday will be that one for sure in terms of game, of the tactic.”
Thursday 11 July 2024 20:10 , Kieran Jackson on Centre Court
As a 57th and final unforced error sprung off Donna Vekic’s forehand and into the tramline, Jasmine Paolini ran towards her player box in complete and utter euphoria. This year’s breakthrough star on the tennis tour – that goes for men and women – had reached a second Grand Slam final in a matter of weeks. At the end of this titanic battle, she blew a kiss to her corner and then consoled her heartbroken opponent.
As the old adage goes, it felt cruel that somebody had to lose. Both Vekic and Paolini were contesting their first semi-final at Wimbledon and their desperation to reach Saturday’s showpiece was writ large throughout this absorbing battle of wills. In the end, only a first-to-10 final-set tie-break could separate them – and even than there was barely a flip of a coin between them. Match of the tournament? Possibly so.
Jasmine Paolini defeats crestfallen Donna Vekic in Wimbledon semi-final
Thursday 11 July 2024 19:46 , Alex Pattle
For a while, this was the calm after the storm. After Jasmine Paolini and Donna Vekic ran themselves into the ground in Wimbledon’s longest-ever women’s semi-final, Elena Rybakina looked poised to navigate hers with only the occasional hint of resistance.
While Paolini needed two hours and 51 minutes to fight back, reduce Vekic to tears, and position herself on the cusp of glory, Rybakina seemed likely to need about 60 minutes to extinguish Barbora Krejcikova’s dream.
And after the Centre Court crowd gorged itself on the melodrama of the first semi-final, it appeared content with watching this encore politely but sleepily.
But those were assumptions, and as this match wore on, it became clear that assuming was a dangerous game.
Report from Centre Court:
Barbora Krejcikova stuns Elena Rybakina in strange but absorbing Wimbledon semi-final
Thursday 11 July 2024 19:26 , Alex Pattle
Krejcikova on what to expect from her final against Jasmine Paolini on Saturday: “I think a big fight, definitely. A big fight.
“I know she is a huge fighter, she showed it today, and same from me.
“I think we both are playing great tennis, and I think it’s going to be a great match on Saturday.”
Thursday 11 July 2024 19:24 , Alex Pattle
Krejcikova gets emotional talking about her late coach Jana Novotna, who won the singles crown here in 1998.
Thursday 11 July 2024 19:23 , Alex Pattle
Krejcikova: “It’s unbelievable. It’s very tough to explain what I’m feeling right now, but it’s a lot of joy, a lot of emotions, also a lot of relief. Also I’m just super proud, so proud about my game and about my fighting spirit today.
“I don’t know [what the difference was]. I was down, I mean, I started 0-4. I was happy to win my first game, then I was just trying to fight for every single ball.
“I felt during the second set, somewhere in the middle, I was starting to get my momentum. When I broke her, I started to get into a zone, and I didn’t want to leave the zone!
“Never [did I dream of this].”
Thursday 11 July 2024 19:15 , Alex Pattle
Rybakina with a relatively comfortable hold, and now Krejcikova will serve for the match. Is there one final twist in this match?
Krejcikova eases to 30-0, two points from victory…
Make that 40-0, three match points!
And Rybakina’s return of serve is out!
Krejcikova with a comeback victory, she’s into the Wimbledon final!
Thursday 11 July 2024 19:09 , Alex Pattle
0-30, and Rubakina has a look at an instant break-back.
Ace! Krejcikova narrows the gap!
And the gap disappears completely, as Krejcikova hauls herself to 30-30.
Now she gains game point with a huge serve and a forehand winner into the corner!
And she holds! This has been one topsy-turvy match.
Thursday 11 July 2024 19:06 , Alex Pattle
Krejcikova gets a crucial break! From a set down, she now leads in this final frame and will serve to put herself within a game of the final!
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:56 , Alex Pattle
A much more routine hold of serve from Rybakina, who doesn’t give up a point en route to making it 3-2.
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:54 , Alex Pattle
Krejcikova with a strong start to this service game of hers, moving to 30-0.
The Czech then earns triple game point as Rybakina whips a forehand wide, leaving the former champion shaking her head.
Krejcikova stoops for a backhand but can’t lift it over the tape, and that’s a game point gone begging. 40-15.
But she takes the next one with a clever drop shot on the forehand!
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:50 , Alex Pattle
After a bit of resistance, Rybakina seals an important hold to stay on serve early in this final set.
It’s been a strange match overall, a little stilted in honesty, but engaging nonetheless!
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:37 , Alex Pattle
Krejcikova moves to 40-0 and is poised for a hold to love… but she double-faults. 40-15.
First set point gone, then, but two remaining for now…
Another one gone begging! Krejcikova frames a forehand, and it loops over Rybakina and beyond the baseline. 40-30.
There goes the third!! Rybakina moves up to the net and clinically puts away a forehand in the corner! Deuce…
Krejcikova earns another set point, but she double-faults!
Eventually Rybakina misses a forehand, putting it long to end a fairly lengthy rally, and Krejcikova has a fifth set point…
ANOTHER DOUBLE-FAULT.
But on her sixth try, Krejcikova converts! We’re going to a decider!
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:28 , Alex Pattle
The crowd has really grown into this match over the course of the last few games!
It provides its loudest offering yet as Krejcikova, against the odds, reaches the net and flicks a winner up the line.
That shot keeps her on track for a hold… and there it is! She leads 5-2.
Rybakina will serve to keep this set alive. What a turn of events…
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:22 , Alex Pattle
Errors have started to really creep into Rybakina’s game, and the surrenders a break of serve!
Krejcikova was just keeping herself in this match at first; now she leads this second set 4-2…
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:18 , Kieran Jackson
Big hold from Krejcikova!
A deep return at 15-15 by Rybakina gives her the momentum in this game but a big serve by the Czech brings it back to 30-30.
Yet Krejcikoca goes wayward with a forehand and it’s break point for the fourth seed – but the underdog finds a terrific ace out wide!
Krejcikova gets herself to ad and then seals the game with a brilliant inside-out forehand! Stunning stuff!
She lets out a huge scream as she inches ahead again in this second set!
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:14 , Kieran Jackson
Given those chances which went amiss in the last game, a good quick hold for Rybakina there.
2-2 in the second.
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:10 , Kieran Jackson
A big hold in that third game of the set for Krejcikova, who saves break points in the process!
Is that the spark the Czech needs to launch a comeback?
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:06 , Kieran Jackson
As a 57th and final unforced error sprung off Donna Vekic’s forehand and into the tramline, Jasmine Paolini ran towards her player box in complete and utter euphoria. This year’s breakthrough star on the tennis tour – that goes for men and women – has reached a second Grand Slam final in a matter of weeks. At the end of this titanic battle, she blew a kiss to her corner and then consoled her heartbroken opponent.
As the old adage goes, it felt cruel that somebody had to lose. Both Vekic and Paolini were contesting their first semi-final at Wimbledon and their desperation to reach Saturday’s showpiece was writ large throughout this absorbing battle of wills. In the end, only a first-to-10 final-set tie-break could separate them – and even then, there was barely a flip of a coin between them. Match of the tournament? Possibly so.
Jasmine Paolini defeats crestfallen Donna Vekic in Wimbledon semi-final
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:51 , Kieran Jackson
Krejcikova forces Rybakina to serve it out again but this time the fourth seed makes no mistake, sealing the set with a simple put-away volley into the stands.
Rybakina hit an astonishing 19 winners in that set, compared to three from her opponent. Wow.
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:39 , Kieran Jackson
Krejcikova breaks back!
This match is very odd so far. Rybakina, again, gets a tad loose at the end of her service game and fails to hold out for the first set…
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:36 , Kieran Jackson
Blimey – a break to love for Rybakina, as Krejcikova goes a tad wayward but the Kazakh rediscovers her range immediately.
Rybakina will now serve for the first set…
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:31 , Kieran Jackson
Hold your horses!
At deuce, Rybakina nets a rare forehand and Krejcikova, out of nothing, has a break point! And then Rybakina does it again, gifting her opponent one of the breaks back and her first game of the match!
An odd absence of concentration from the Kazakh!
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:27 , Kieran Jackson
Whisper it quietly, but it feels like this match hasn’t quite got the legs on the first semi-final.
Krejcikova goes just wide with a backhand at 30-30 and with a thumping forehand inside-in winner, Rybakina seals a double break inside 19 minutes!
Utter domination early on from the 2022 champion.
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:21 , Alex Pattle
Rybakina sends a forehand long after failing to sort out her feet. 0-15. Lovely ace into the corner now. 15-15.
30-15, as Krejcikova frames an attempted forehand pass. And another big serve in the corner brings up two game points, as Krejcikova can barely get anything on it.
One game point is saved, as Rybakina slings a forehand low into the net; again, she didn’t adjust her feet as a Krejcikova shot landed quite centrally.
And the next game point is saved, as Rybakina again hits low into the net on the forehand side! This time she was under more pressure, admittedly.
Break point! Rybakina misses on the backhand this time, but she saves break point as Krejcikova puts a backhand wide.
The Kazakh gifts Krejcikova another break point, though, with an ill-timed double-fault.
Ace to save that one, too. Now a fine backhand volley for game point.
Krejcikova nets to confirm the hold – at last.
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:15 , Alex Pattle
Rybakina with a forehand winner then a pair of unforced errors, before Krejcikova double-faults for 30-30.
The Czech then gives up break point with a forehand down the line, which goes wide, but she saves it with a powerful serve! Deuce.
Another break point to Rybakina, who fires a forehand winner into the corner!
And she takes this one, as Krejcikova misses with that same forehand down the line…
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:12 , Alex Pattle
Rybakina with an ace and two forehand winners en route to an opening hold of serve, while both players err on their backhands at certain points.
*denotes next server
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:02 , Alex Pattle
Onto the next semi-final!
A lot of top seeds have fallen in the women’s singles draw, but fourth seed Rybakina is still standing.
And the 2022 champion is a heavy favourite against Krejcikova, who is in her first grand slam semi-final in three years – since winning the French Open in 2021, in fact – and who has passed the fourth round at SW19 for the first time ever.
Will Kazakh Rybakina move a step closer to a second Wimbledon title? Or will Czech Krejcikova spring the upset?
The players have just arrived on court.
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:52 , Alex Pattle
Sport, eh? It can be so beautiful, and so cruel.
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:42 , Alex Pattle
That was the longest-ever women’s semi-final at Wimbledon. And Paolini is the first woman into a Wimbledon final – in the singles, at least.
Paolini: “It was really tough today, she played unbelievable. I think she was hitting winners everywhere and I was struggling a little bit at the beginning.
“But I was just repeating to myself: ‘Fight for every ball and try to improve a little bit on court,’ because I was serving really bad!
“I’m so happy with this win, I don’t know. This match, I will remember it forever, I think.
“I was just trying to think what to do on the court, point by point. There is no place better than here, to fight for every ball, every point. I really enjoyed playing in front of you guys. For a tennis player, I think this is the best place to play a match like this. Thank you for cheering for me.
“I think it’s not easy for my family to watch a match like this, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. I’m so grateful that they’re here, they’ve been supporting me forever.
“These last months have been crazy for me. It’s a dream. I was watching finals from Wimbledon when I was a kid.”
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:29 , Alex Pattle
Paolini beats Vekic at the net, as the Croat’s reflex volley sails out of play. 6-7.
Great rally now, and Vekic wins it by sticking a backhand right on the inside tramline! 7-7.
What a tiebreak.
Brutal forehand winner up the line and in the corner; Vekic makes it 8-7.
Paolini wrongfoots Vekic with an inside-out forehand, and Vekic’s reply drifts wide. 8-8.
Vekic appears to drag a forehand narrowly wide, and that brings up Paolini’s third match point of the day! Vekic is OUT OF CHALLENGES! 8-9.
Vekic misses in the same spot, and that’s game, set and match to Paolini!
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:24 , Alex Pattle
A very lucky net cord for Paolini. 0-1. Parity at 1-1, as Vekic wins a point at the net.
Now a big serve, which is too much for Paolini. 2-1.
Awful time to double-fault! Paolini hands Vekic a mini-break for 3-1!
The Italian sticks a shot right at Vekic’s feet, however, and the Croat sends a forehand wide. 3-2.
Again Vekic slings a forehand into the tramlines. 3-3. Break-back for Paolini.
But the Italian propels a forehand slightly long. 4-3. Now Vekic misses, powering a backhand well wide. 4-4.
Vekic is trying to stay composed. A challenge goes against her, as Paolini moves to 4-5.
Massive one-two by Vekic, though! The serve and forehand combo makes it 5-5. And another big serve, and Paolini can only find the net. 6-5.
Vekic puts a backhand in the net, and it’s 6-6 in the deciding tiebreak as the players change ends again.
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:16 , Alex Pattle
Vekic is in tears as she sits down between games. That last game must have taken a real toll on her emotionally. She’s serving to stay in the match now.
She errs on the first point then strikes a forehand winner. 15-15. Ace down the T! 30-15. How’s this for resilience?
Now she hooks a forehand into the net, though. 30-30. And she nudges a backhand long!
Paolini with break point and match point, for the second time today…
SAVED! What a rally, and Vekic saves match point with a forehand winner up the line! Beautiful work!
Game point to Vekic now. She barely misses with a backhand into the corner. Deuce.
More brilliant forehands from Vekic, another winner handing her game point again.
She holds!! A tiebreak will decide this match…
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:07 , Alex Pattle
After a longer rally, Paolini frames a forehand skyward… 0-15. Another miss from the Italian, and it’s 0-30.
Paolini closes the gap, however, at 30-30. Vekic lets out a cry of frustration!
Brutal forehand winner into the corner by Vekic! Inside-out, that brings up break point…
Saved! Paolini screams in defiance now, as Vekic fires into the tramlines. Deuce.
Advantage Paolini, as she slowly cranks up the pressure until Vekic sends a defensive lob long.
Now Paolini misses! She slings a forehand wide, deuce.
Advantage Paolini again, as she puts away a tidy backhand volley.
No! Poorly-timed double-fault by the Ialian! Deuce again.
Advantage Paolini for a THIRD TIME! Great forehands, leading to a winner up the line.
Another game point goes begging. Wow. Now Vekic brings up another break point with a forehand volley after some lovely court craft!
SAVED! We’re nearing the 10-minute mark on this game. Now Vekic misses to hand Paolini ANOTHER advantage…
Vekic with a brilliant forehand winner up the line! Or is it? Paolini challenges, and it’s wide! There’s the game AT LAST!
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:57 , Alex Pattle
Vekic with three powerful forehands in the same spot in the corner, but the third one is overhit! 0-15.
But the Croat gets to 15-15, as a brilliant drop shot is just too much for Paolini.
Now Paolini puts a forehand long. 30-15.
The Italian’s next return of serve, a backhand, lands deep in the corner, and Vekic shovels her own backhand long. 30-30.
30-40 as Vekic goes long with a forehand – break point and match point!
Saved! Paolini’s forehand return is marginally wide! Deuce.
Game point to Vekic, as she moves in on a powerful forehand that Paolini can’t get much on.
Serve held! A lucky net cord goes Vekic’s way!
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:50 , Alex Pattle
Paolini holds to love for the first time in a long while!
Now all the pressure is on Vekic…
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:49 , Alex Pattle
Paolini with a change of rackets. Will that help as she seeks another break? Let’s find out.
Not on the first point, it won’t. She’s sent off-balance, and her backhand is destined for the net. 15-0.
Better from the Italian! Vekic gets to the net, but Paolini’s forehand is quick and at an awkward height for the Croat. 15-15.
Vekic nudges a forehand long, 15-30. Now Paolini brings up two break points! This is a see-saw set…
Paolini takes the first! Vekic goes long on another forehand!
*denotes next server
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:43 , Alex Pattle
Paolini with one of her biggest celebrations yet! After going long for 0-15, she passes Vekic with a brilliant crosscourt forehand! 15-15.
But the Italian propels a forehand long now! 15-30. Vekic creeping towards an instant break-back…
And although Paolini constructs the next point nicely, she can’t finish it as intended! She stoops for a volley but dinks it into the net. 15-40.
Double break point… Only one is needed! Big forehand into the corner by Vekic, and Paolini can’t beat the net!
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:39 , Alex Pattle
Paolini has another look at a break here, 15-30…
She’s a picture of focus, but can she capitalise to draw level in the decider?
Vekic goes long on a forehand! Two break points to Paolini!
The Italian crouches in anguish, clasping her racket as her backhand return lands barely wide! 30-40.
There’s the break! Vekic can’t adjust her feet, and she drags a forehand low into the net!
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:35 , Alex Pattle
Vekic sends a backhand marginally long to end a brief rally. 15-0. Another Vekic miss, and Paolini moves to 30-0.
But Vekic narrows the gap with a lovely, step-in forehand, arched up the line and onto the chalk. 30-15.
This time, the Croat puts away a smash! 30-30. Pressure on Paolini… who offers a pump of the fist as she gains game point! Lovely forehand winner, right in the corner. 40-30.
Paolini nets on the next point, though, for deuce. Now Vekic nets.
Advantage Paolini, who completes the hold with a precise forehand volley – right in the corner, again.
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:29 , Alex Pattle
Vekic cruises to 30-0, with a huge serve then a forehand winner on the next point.
40-0, as another strong serve has Paolini slicing a return low into the net.
Now Paolini nudges a backhand long, and Vekic holds serve to maintain her lead!
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:24 , Alex Pattle
Paolini shovels a backhand long, before Vekic slings a forehand wide. 15-15.
Another miss from Paolini, this time on the backhand, as she goes wide.
Vekic puts a groundstroke in the net, though, and it’s 30-30.
Another backhand narrowly wide from Paolini! She’ll challenge it… but to no avail! Break point…
Saved! Vekic sends a backhand beyond the baseline.
Now Paolini with a fine serve, which Vekic can only send back into the net.
And a forehand winner, inside-out into the corner, seals the hold!
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:21 , Alex Pattle
At 15-0, Vekic hits another double-fault.
15-15. Vekic puts those missed serves behind her to get back in front. 30-15.
A return goes long for Paolini on the forehand. 40-15.
40-30, as Vekic’s forehand clips the tape and drops on her own side of the net.
Hold! Paolini fires a return long.
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:18 , Alex Pattle
There was a fair wait between the second set ending and this final frame starting.
Now that we’re here, Vekic has a sniff of a break at 15-30…
But she whips an inside-out forehand into the trams. 30-30.
Ridiculous running from Paolini now! But eventually, it’s too much for her, and she stumbles as she fails to keep the point alive. 30-40, break point…
Poor forehand from Vekic, however, as the Croat drags it into the net. Deuce.
Vekic gains another break point, and she takes it! This time it’s Paolini whose forehand is weak and into the net!
*denotes next server
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:07 , Alex Pattle
Vekic overshoots on a groundstroke again. 0-15. Fist pump from Paolini.
Another ill-timed double-fault from Vekic! 0-30. A huge moment now…
She comes up big with a serve out wide! Paolini can only flail at it with her frame. 15-30.
Now Paolini pushes back Vekic with a backhand, and the Croat’s forehand is swiped into the net. 15-40.
Double break point for the set… First one taken!
Paolini powers a forehand into the corner, after wrongfooting Vekic with a backhand!
We’re heading to a decider…
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:01 , Alex Pattle
Paolini snatches at a forehand, pulling it into the net. 0-15.
Much better hitting from the French Open runner-up; she wins out after a longer rally, as Vekic hits long. 15-15.
Oh, my goodness. Vekic has all the court to aim for with a smash, but she cannons it into the tramlines! To be fair, Paolini did so well on her previous shot, keeping the ball in play against all odds.
30-15. Now a Vekic return lands long. 40-15.
Ace out wide! The accuracy does Vekic, not the speed so much!
Paolini with a much-needed, comfortable hold.
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:58 , Alex Pattle
Paolini nudges a forehand barely beyond the baseline. 15-0.
Big serve from Vekic, and Paolini can’t beat the net. 30-0.
30-15, as Vekic misjudges a drop-shot attempt, plopping it into the net.
30-30! Another Vekic miss, this time a forehand powered narrowly wide.
But Vekic finds two powerful serves when she needs them, gaining and taking game point!
*denotes next server
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:53 , Alex Pattle
Paolini slashes a backhand into the net. 0-15.
The Italian levels the game at 15-15 then frames a smash! Oh, no… 15-30.
Again Paolini replies for 30-30, then she earns game point as Vekic strikes long. 40-30.
But a Vekic backhand is too powerful for the seventh seed! She can barely get anything on the ball. Deuce.
Another game point for Paolini, however, as Vekic overshoots a ground shot.
And Paolini completes the hold! She’s still making hard work of it – and at times, Vekic is making her work hard for it. But she stays on par in this second set.
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:48 , Alex Pattle
Remarkable defence from Paolini at times, but she can’t stop Vekic from scoring with a couple of forehand winners and an ace. Vekic holds to love.
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:45 , Alex Pattle
Paolini’s running is keeping this interesting. She gets to a drop shot, and her lob is good enough to force Vekic to err – as the Croat puts her own lob long. 15-0.
Paolini misses now, however, for 15-15. A fist pump from Paolini as Vekic hits into the net.
We move to 30-30, where Paolini can’t get her feet right, as she hooks a backhand into the net.
Break point to Vekic… saved! The Croat goes big on a forehand but slings it wide.
Another break point now, as Paolini goes needlessly long on a backhand into space!
Saved again! Vekic stretches for a forehand return and propels it long. Deuce.
Game point to Paolini, as Vekic attacks a serve but puts her forehand narrowly wide.
Now the Croat nets! Paolini holds. This set has been dramatic so far.
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:38 , Alex Pattle
The pair go back and forth for 30-30, before Vekic moves ahead. 40-30.
Wow! Paolini with some brilliant running and a great forehand volley, on the stretch, to make it deuce!
Wow again, but for a very different reason! Vekic double-faults to give Paolini break point…
But the Croat saves it with a big serve, and another impressive service gives her game point!
Paolini restores deuce, though, with some more fine running and a clinical backhand winner at the net!
Advantage Vekic again, as Paolini fails to clear the net on a return.
Then a Paolini return floats high and wide! Vekic holds, a chance gone begging for Paolini…
*denotes next server
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:30 , Kieran Jackson
Paolini saves a break point and holds!
At 15-15, the Croat smashes a forehand winner down the line before hitting a backhand into the net.
But at 30-30, Paolini inexcusably double-faults. The Italian takes a moment to pause behind the baseline and Vekic, in control of the rally that ensues, hits a forehand just long.
Vekic smashes another backhand winner down the line to bring the game back to deuce, but Paolini seals the hold with a deft volley winner and ace down the T!
Paolini just staying in it on the scoreboard!
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:23 , Alex Pattle
15-15, as Vekic takes the first point on her serve, before Paolini angles a backhand volley for a winner.
Now 15-30 to Paolini, a look at a break… But she slices a backhand long. 30-30.
Another overhit from Paolini, this time on a topspin forehand. 40-30.
Vekic completes the hold!
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:19 , Alex Pattle
No luck for Paolini right now. She clips the tape with a backhand, and it drops on the wrong side of the net – as far as she’s concerned. 0-15.
She restores parity at 15-15, though, as Vekic frames a backhand return well out of court.
Strong hitting and running from Paolini now, as she tries to apply pressure at first, before having to battle to stay in the rally… but she eventually hooks a backhand wide. 15-30.
Paolini looks so frustrated with herself.
But she offers a fist pump after making it 30-30! Vekic applauds as the Italian hits a forehand winner in the corner.
Another pump of the fist! Game point to Paolini. And she holds! The crowd appreciates that.
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:14 , Alex Pattle
Another hold to love for Vekic, and she takes the first set!
She’s one away from her first grand slam final…
*denotes next server
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:11 , Alex Pattle
Things go from bad to worse for Paolini. She’s facing triple break point…
But she saves the first, as Vekic drags a backhand return well wide. 40-15.
Another saved! Vekic crouches for a forehand but can’t lift it over the net. 40-30.
But there is the double break, as Paolini reaches a drop shot but gets too ambitious at the worst time, hitting wide in the process.
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:08 , Alex Pattle
Paolini laughs after she makes an awful challenge on Vekic’s serve – one of the worst I’ve ever seen. That was miles inside the service box!
15-15, and Paolini tries to match Vekic’s power but pushes a backhand just long. She’s visibly frustrated at herself. 30-15.
Again Paolini goes long on a backhand. 40-15.
A rare error by Vekic, and it’s 40-30.
But the Croat holds as Paolini flings a forehand well long. The Italian needs to arrest this slide.
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:02 , Alex Pattle
Break! Paolini falls to 30-40, then hits a forehand high into the net!
It felt like that had been coming, in truth.
Vekic moves ahead in this first set…
*denotes next server
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:58 , Alex Pattle
Big hitting on display from Vekic as she gives Paolini the runaround and holds to love.
So far the Croat has been able to win points in quicker fashion, and hold in smoother fashion; Paolini is having to work harder at this point.
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:53 , Alex Pattle
Again Paolini is forced to stretch for a backhand volley, which she sends wide like her last one. 0-15.
Brilliant forehand winner by the Italian now, though! She whips it crosscourt with a ton of pace, keeping it low and accurate. 15-15.
30-15, but then Paolini flicks a forehand long. 30-30.
Vekic with another drop shot, but this time she can’t beat the tape. 40-30.
And Paolini holds as Vekic hits long.
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:50 , Alex Pattle
Paolini gets out in front at 0-15, but Vekic slings a backhand winner up the line! 15-15.
Vekic moves ahead to 40-15, setting up two game points as she lures Paolini to the net with a drop shot and beats her with a pass – Paolini only able to send her volley wide.
Ace! There’s the hold. Much more comfortable than Paolini’s.
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:46 , Alex Pattle
Paolini to serve first. She moves to 30-0 as Vekic puts a forehand long, but the Croat narrows the gap with some powerful hitting – and a winner in the corner. 30-15.
Now Paolini clips the back of the baseline with her own forehand. 40-15.
40-30, as Vekic puts in some great running and just does enough to force Paolini into a miss on the volley.
Deuce! Paolini hooks a forehand into the net.
The Italian gets back in front after a brief ralley, but again she strikes into the net – this time on a backhand. Deuce again.
A forehand winner into the corner brings up another game point for Paolini, but she errs twice to hand Vekic an early break point!
Saved! Paolin then gains another game point with a smash at the net. And finally she holds!
*denotes next server
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:33 , Alex Pattle
The first women’s semi-final is just moments away!
Donna Vekic and Jasmine Paolini are warming up on Centre Court as we speak.
Italy’s Paolini is the seventh seed, while Croatia’s Vekic is unseeded.
Paolini beat Emma Navaro comfortably in the quarter-finals, while Vekic overcame Lulu Sun in three sets.
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:15 , Kieran Jackson
Donna Vekic (CRO) vs Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [7]
Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [31] vs Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [4]
Kim Clijsters (BEL) / Martina Hingis (SUI) vs Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) / Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:02 , Kieran Jackson
Thursday 11 July 2024 12:51 , Kieran Jackson
Prior to his first Grand Slam quarter-final against Taylor Fritz on Wednesday at Wimbledon, Lorenzo Musetti was asked about the important topics at hand: his tattoos. The 22-year-old has three. The first is a heart with a tennis racket in the middle, the second is a ship’s anchor with “family” written on it and the third is a phrase shared with his coach: “Il meglio deve ancora venire.”
It translates: “The best is yet to come.”
Full piece below:
Meet Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian eyeing Wimbledon final after beating Taylor Fritz
Thursday 11 July 2024 12:35 , Kieran Jackson
CENTRE COURT – 13:30 START
Donna Vekic (CRO) vs Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [7]
Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [31] vs Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [4]
Kim Clijsters (BEL) / Martina Hingis (SUI) vs Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) / Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Thursday 11 July 2024 12:12 , Kieran Jackson
Latvian livewire Jelena Ostapenko blew herself out as Barbora Krejcikova reached her first Wimbledon semi-final.
Ostapenko had blitzed her way through the women’s draw, dropping only 15 games in four matches with a ferocious flurry of winners.
But when the unforced errors started to creep well above the winner count on Court One, Krejcikova was able to take advantage.
A blink-and-you-miss-it quarter-final encounter did not feature a rally of more than eight shots, but Krejcikova made hers count in a 6-4 7-6 (4) victory to set up a last-four showdown with 2022 winner Elena Rybakina.
Barbora Krejcikova tames Jelena Ostapenko to reach semi-finals
Thursday 11 July 2024 11:58 , Kieran Jackson
Donna Vekic ended the fairy tale Wimbledon run of qualifier Lulu Sun to reach her first grand slam semi-final on Thursday.
SW19 sensation Sun won the first set and looked on course to become only the second woman to come through qualifying and reach the last four.
But Vekic, the 28-year-old from Croatia, took a tight second set and then ran away with the third for a 5-7 6-4 6-1 victory.
“It was a really tough match, she played unbelievable, I feel like she really pushed me to my limits,” said an emotional Vekic.
“I felt like I was dying out there in the first two sets but I just kept going, hoping to have a chance and it came in the end.
“I have a full box of people there and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Thursday 11 July 2024 11:43 , Kieran Jackson
John McEnroe believes Novak Djokovic had every right to take a swipe at the Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon.
Djokovic claimed some spectators disrespected him during his straight-sets win over Holger Rune on Monday night by repeatedly chanting the young Dane’s surname.
During a heated on-court interview, the seven-time champion said: “Well, to all the fans that had respect and stayed here tonight thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it.
“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a gooooood night. Gooood night, gooood night. Very good night.”
Three-time champion McEnroe, who had his fair share of run-ins with crowds during his colourful career, revealed he would have told Djokovic “well done” for calling out the spectators.
John McEnroe backs Novak Djokovic in spat with Wimbledon fans
Thursday 11 July 2024 11:29 , Kieran Jackson
Novak Djokovic accused the Wimbledon Centre Court crowd of “disrespect” following his third-round win against Holger Rune.
Thursday 11 July 2024 11:12 , Kieran Jackson
Alex de Minaur says he is “devastated” after pulling out of Wimbledon prior to his quarter-final against Novak Djokovic on Wednesday due to a hip injury.
The Australian No 1 and world No 9, enjoying the best season of his career, sustained a torn cartilage to the hip in the final game against Arthur Fils in his fourth-round match on Monday.
De Minaur’s expression immediately changed as he claimed victory and despite playing down the injury in his press conference afterwards, the 25-year-old’s withdrawal was confirmed on Wednesday lunchtime, when he admitted to feeling a “loud crack” in the last three points of Monday’s match.
Alex de Minaur withdraws from Wimbledon quarter-final against Novak Djokovic
Thursday 11 July 2024 11:02 , Kieran Jackson
The Elena Rybakina experience rarely lasts long. Which is not to say you don’t get value for money when watching the Kazakh star – quite the opposite. She’s a whirling dervish of entertainment.
It’s just that, especially on grass, she has no interest in engaging in long rallies, preferring a “no guts, no glory”, “blink-and-you’ll-miss-her” approach to most points which means the winner and unforced error counts both ratchet up pretty quickly. When she’s more hit than miss – as she was en route to the Wimbledon title in 2022 and appears to be again this year – it’s tough to work out how to stop her.
Elina Svitolina tried in this quarter-final, she really did, but her opponent’s point-ending flashes of racquet were generally finding the lines rather than the grass beyond. Combined with a ferocious serve that pumped down six aces to reach a tournament-high total of 31 and saw her win 84 per cent of points on first serve, the result was a ruthless 6-3, 6-2 win in just 61 minutes.
Read Luke Baker’s full report from Centre Court:
The high-risk style that makes Wimbledon favourite Elena Rybakina unbeatable
Thursday 11 July 2024 10:46 , Kieran Jackson
Jasmine Paolini kept the Italian flag flying at Wimbledon by thrashing Emma Navarro to reach the semi-finals.
Centre Court was still reeling from the defeat suffered by Italy’s poster boy and world number one Jannik Sinner, at the hands of Daniil Medvedev, when Paolini entered the fray.
The 28-year-old seventh seed duly dispatched American Navarro 6-2 6-1 to become the first Italian woman to make the last four in SW19.
“It’s amazing to get the win on this special court and I’m so happy to be in the semi-final,” she said.
“It’s so special, a dream to be here in this position. I was watching finals on this court when I was a kid, it’s strange to be here.”
Thursday 11 July 2024 10:30 , Kieran Jackson
Thursday 11 July 2024 10:13 , Kieran Jackson
Marcus Willis is on a charge again at Wimbledon eight years after facing Roger Federer on Centre Court.
The 33-year-old briefly became the biggest story of the Championships when he qualified for the main draw in 2016 and won his first-round match to set up the date with Federer.
A stunning lob was the highlight of a straight-sets defeat and Willis soon slipped off the radar and into retirement, but two years ago he returned to the sport in doubles and is back at the All England Club for the first time since 2017.
Marcus Willis reaches mixed doubles quarter-finals on Wimbledon return
Thursday 11 July 2024 09:59 , Kieran Jackson
CENTRE COURT – 13:30 START
Donna Vekic (CRO) vs Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [7]
Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [31] vs Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [4]
Kim Clijsters (BEL) / Martina Hingis (SUI) vs Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) / Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Thursday 11 July 2024 09:52 , Kieran Jackson
Prior to his first Grand Slam quarter-final against Taylor Fritz on Wednesday at Wimbledon, Lorenzo Musetti was asked about the important topics at hand: his tattoos. The 22-year-old has three. The first is a heart with a tennis racket in the middle, the second is a ship’s anchor with “family” written on it and the third is a phrase shared with his coach: “Il meglio deve ancora venire.”
It translates: “The best is yet to come.”
Full piece below:
Meet Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian eyeing Wimbledon final after beating Taylor Fritz
Thursday 11 July 2024 09:00 , Luke Baker
Here’s how Barbora Krejcikova reacted to the news she would be facing Elena Rybakina in the last four today!
Thursday 11 July 2024 08:45 , Luke Baker
John McEnroe believes Novak Djokovic had every right to take a swipe at the Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon.
Djokovic claimed some spectators disrespected him during his straight-sets win over Holger Rune on Monday night by repeatedly chanting the young Dane’s surname.
During a heated on-court interview, the seven-time champion said: “Well, to all the fans that had respect and stayed here tonight thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it.
“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a gooooood night. Gooood night, gooood night. Very good night.”
Three-time champion McEnroe, who had his fair share of run-ins with crowds during his colourful career, revealed he would have told Djokovic “well done” for calling out the spectators.
John McEnroe backs Novak Djokovic in spat with Wimbledon fans
Thursday 11 July 2024 08:15 , Luke Baker
Novak Djokovic accused the Wimbledon Centre Court crowd of “disrespect” following his third-round win against Holger Rune.
Thursday 11 July 2024 08:00 , Luke Baker
Alex de Minaur says he is “devastated” after pulling out of Wimbledon prior to his quarter-final against Novak Djokovic on Wednesday due to a hip injury.
The Australian No 1 and world No 9, enjoying the best season of his career, sustained a torn cartilage to the hip in the final game against Arthur Fils in his fourth-round match on Monday.
De Minaur’s expression immediately changed as he claimed victory and despite playing down the injury in his press conference afterwards, the 25-year-old’s withdrawal was confirmed on Wednesday lunchtime, when he admitted to feeling a “loud crack” in the last three points of Monday’s match.
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic therefore receives a walkover to Friday’s semi-finals.
Alex de Minaur withdraws from Wimbledon quarter-final against Novak Djokovic
Thursday 11 July 2024 07:55 , Luke Baker
Here’s how the two main courts look at Wimbledon today
CENTRE COURT – 13:30 START
Donna Vekic (CRO) vs Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [7]
Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [31] vs Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [4]
Kim Clijsters (BEL) / Martina Hingis (SUI) vs Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) / Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
No.1 COURT – SHOW COURT – 13:00 START
Marcel Granollers (ESP) / Horacio Zeballos (ARG) [1] vs Max Purcell (AUS) / Jordan Thompson (AUS) [15]
Harri Heliovaara (FIN) / Henry Patten (GBR) vs Neal Skupski (GBR) / Michael Venus (NZL) [9]
Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) / Giuliana Olmos (MEX) vs Marcus Willis (GBR) / Alicia Barnett (GBR)
Alfie Hewett (GBR) / Gordon Reid (GBR) [1] vs Martin De la Puente (ESP) / Joachim Gerard (BEL)
Full order of play here:
Wimbledon order of play and Thursday’s schedule
Thursday 11 July 2024 07:45 , Luke Baker
The Queen has made a surprise visit to Wimbledon, saying it was “so nice to be able to escape for a day”.
Camilla headed to south-west London to enjoy watching play on the 10th day of the tennis championships.
She was dressed for her day out at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in a cream linen dress featuring large giraffe motifs by Anna Valentine, with a Jack Russell brooch from Van Cleef and Arpels.
Camilla told former player Laura Robson, who works in international player relations at Wimbledon, it was “so nice to be able to escape for a day”.
Queen Camilla enjoys surprise ‘escape’ to Wimbledon
Thursday 11 July 2024 07:30 , Luke Baker
Donna Vekic ended the fairy tale Wimbledon run of qualifier Lulu Sun to reach her first grand slam semi-final.
SW19 sensation Sun won the first set and looked on course to become only the second woman to come through qualifying and reach the last four.
But Vekic, the 28-year-old from Croatia, took a tight second set and then ran away with the third for a 5-7 6-4 6-1 victory.
“It was a really tough match, she played unbelievable, I feel like she really pushed me to my limits,” said an emotional Vekic.
“I felt like I was dying out there in the first two sets but I just kept going, hoping to have a chance and it came in the end.
“I have a full box of people there and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Thursday 11 July 2024 07:15 , Luke Baker
Jasmine Paolini kept the Italian flag flying at Wimbledon by thrashing Emma Navarro to reach the semi-finals.
Centre Court was still reeling from the defeat suffered by Italy’s poster boy and world number one Jannik Sinner, at the hands of Daniil Medvedev, when Paolini entered the fray.
The 28-year-old seventh seed duly dispatched American Navarro 6-2 6-1 to become the first Italian woman to make the last four in SW19.
“It’s amazing to get the win on this special court and I’m so happy to be in the semi-final,” she said.
“It’s so special, a dream to be here in this position. I was watching finals on this court when I was a kid, it’s strange to be here.”
Thursday 11 July 2024 07:00 , Luke Baker
Latvian livewire Jelena Ostapenko blew herself out as Barbora Krejcikova reached her first Wimbledon semi-final.
Ostapenko had blitzed her way through the women’s draw, dropping only 15 games in four matches with a ferocious flurry of winners.
But when the unforced errors started to creep well above the winner count on Court One, Krejcikova was able to take advantage.
A blink-and-you-miss-it quarter-final encounter did not feature a rally of more than eight shots, but Krejcikova made hers count in a 6-4 7-6 (4) victory to set up a last-four showdown with 2022 winner Elena Rybakina.
Barbora Krejcikova tames Jelena Ostapenko to reach semi-finals
Thursday 11 July 2024 06:45 , Luke Baker
The Elena Rybakina experience rarely lasts long. Which is not to say you don’t get value for money when watching the Kazakh star – quite the opposite. She’s a whirling dervish of entertainment.
It’s just that, especially on grass, she has no interest in engaging in long rallies, preferring a “no guts, no glory”, “blink-and-you’ll-miss-her” approach to most points which means the winner and unforced error counts both ratchet up pretty quickly. When she’s more hit than miss – as she was en route to the Wimbledon title in 2022 and appears to be again this year – it’s tough to work out how to stop her.
Elina Svitolina tried in this quarter-final, she really did, but her opponent’s point-ending flashes of racquet were generally finding the lines rather than the grass beyond. Combined with a ferocious serve that pumped down six aces to reach a tournament-high total of 31 and saw her win 84 per cent of points on first serve, the result was a ruthless 6-3, 6-2 win in just 61 minutes.
Read Luke Baker’s full report from Centre Court:
The high-risk style that makes Wimbledon favourite Elena Rybakina unbeatable
Thursday 11 July 2024 06:30 , Luke Baker
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Wimbledon 2024. We’ve reached day 11 and it’s women’s semi-finals day at SW19. Elena Rybakina is the heavy favourite but there are three women trying to stop her lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish for the second time.
Stick with us for full live coverage
