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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Katy Murrells

Wimbledon semi-finals: Krejcikova and Paolini reach final with dramatic comebacks – as it happened

Donna Vekic Jasmine Paolini Elena Rybakina Wimbledon Barbora Krejcikova Lulu Sun Aryna Sabalenka Coco Gauff Iga Swiatek Michael Venus
Barbora Krejcikova will face Jasmine Paolini in the women’s final after two epic semi-finals.
Barbora Krejcikova will face Jasmine Paolini in the women’s final after two epic semi-finals. Photograph: James Marsh/Shutterstock

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Right, it’s time to wrap up blog. Do join us for the men’s semi-finals tomorrow, when we’ll be covering Carlos Alcaraz v Daniil Medvedev, followed by Novak Djokovic v Lorenzo Musetti. They’ll be going some to beat today’s drama. Bye!

It’s so touching to hear Krejcikova talk about Novotna – and it would be quite some tribute to the 1998 champion if Krejcikova wins the title on Saturday. It was Novotna – whose tears after losing the final in 1993 and triumph five years later made her a much-loved figure at Wimbledon – who always told Krejcikova that she could thrive in the singles game and not just on the doubles court.

And now Krejcikova has ripped up the script to oust the title favourite, turning a rout into a roaring triumph, and she’s a win away from a second grand slam title, after her 2021 French Open win. Yes, there were too many errors from Rybakina, but many of those were down to Krejcikova, who refused to be intimidated. It’ll be Krejcikova v Paolini for the title, and we’re guaranteed a first-time Wimbledon winner. I think the message from today is never give up.

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Krejcikova, the tears flowing, takes a moment to regather. “I just miss her so much,” the Czech says of her late mentor. And what of her thoughts on facing Paolini? “I think a big fight, I know she’s a huge fighter, she showed it today. Same from me. I think it’s going to be a great match on Saturday.”

Krejcikova speaks:

It’s unbelievable. A lot of joy, a lot of emotions, a lot of relief. I’m super proud of my game. I was 0-4 [in the first set], I was happy to win my first game, I was trying to fight for every ball and in the second set I was getting my momentum. When I broke her I was in the zone and I didn’t want to leave the zone.

I never thought I’d be playing for the Wimbledon title. Years ago I was working with Jana Novotna, she won in 1998, she was telling me about her journeys here. I was so far [away] when we had this talk and now I’m here and I’m in the final. Wow. She’s my inspiration, I have so many beautiful memories. I’m fighting for every ball as that’s what she’d want me to do.

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Krejcikova beats Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4!

15-0 and then 30-0, when Rybakina’s forehand flies long. A routine smash at the net and it’s 40-0, three match points. The Czech hasn’t been intimidated by the 2022 champion for most of this match – and she’s certainly not intimidated with the victory line in sight. And the Czech completes the comeback when Rybakina’s return goes high and wide! Krejcikova – just as Paolini did – comes from a set down to become an unlikely Wimbledon finalist! She has put out the 2022 champion and for the eighth successive Wimbledon, there will be a different women’s winner!

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Third set: Krejcikova* 3-6, 6-3, 5-4 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Rybakina appears in control at 30-0 but a missed forehand – there have been too many of those today – and it’s 30-15. Rybakina wins through from there, but Krejcikova will soon be serving for a place in her first Wimbledon final …

Third set: Krejcikova 3-6, 6-3, 5-3 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Now it’s Rybakina’s turn to attack. 0-15. 0-30. But she’s gesticulating to herself when it becomes 30-all. Usually so calm, she’s now totally confounded. Krejcikova crunches another winner and it’s 40-30. And very quickly game. Krejcikova backs up the break –and Rybakina must hold serve to extend this much for any longer.

Krejcikova breaks: Krejcikova* 3-6, 6-3, 4-3 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

A wonderful threaded pass down the line from Krejcikova and it’s 0-30 on Rybakina’s serve. Cue a huge cheer from the crowd; they’re backing the underdog. Rybakina recovers somewhat to 15-30, but Krejcikova absolutely cracks a winner and it’s 15-40, two break points. She’s won three of five so far – more efficient than Rybakina, who’s at three from nine. And Krejcikova carves Rybakina into pieces with her slice! Krejcikova has the first break in this decider!

Third set: Krejcikova 3-6, 6-3, 3-3 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Rybakina looks the most assured she has for some time, as she rattles through a love hold. Despite Krejcikova’s revival, this match is still on Rybakina’s racket; she has the bigger weapons and can hurt Krejcikova if she lands enough of them. Rybakina underlines that with her money shot – a brutal backhand down the line – for 30-all. But Krejcikova then has Rybakina on the run and the 4th seed hits wide. 40-30. And Krejcikova wins a face-off at the net! They’re still on serve.

Third set: Krejcikova 3-6, 6-3, 2-2 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Of course the Czechs have fine history at Wimbledon – thanks to Navratilova (though her titles were won after switching to the US) – Jana Novotna, Petra Kvitova and then Marketa Vondrousova, who become the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon last year. If Krejcikova were to reach the final, it would be up there with Vondrousova’s surprise run 12 months ago. Rybakina again holds to 30 – and Krejcikova, who now looks as if she truly belongs in this semi-final – comes through to 15.

Third set: Krejcikova 3-6, 6-3, 1-1 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

I honestly didn’t see that coming after the first set, but it was reward for Krejcikova’s decision to come to the net more and mix things up. And she’s showing some admirable fight. She may not have the crowd on her side quite as much as Paolini did, but they’re very much appreciating her effort here. I believe it’s the first time in 20 years that both women’s semi-finals gone to three sets. On the last occasion, in 2004, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova both came from a set down to win their matches; Paolini has already done that today, can Krejcikova do the same? Rybakina gets the third set up and running with a hold to 30 – Krejcikova responds with a hold to 30 herself, showing more fight to come from 0-30 down.

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Krejcikova wins the second set 6-3

15-0, 30-0, 40-0. Three set points – something I didn’t think I’d be typing about 20 minutes ago. Krejcikova double faults on the first; shanks her forehand on the second; and Rybakina rifles away the short ball on the third! Deuce. Krejcikova quickly puts those missed chances out of her mind by bringing up a fourth set point – but then promptly doubles again! And after a lengthy backhand exchange, Rybakina blinks! A fifth set point – and, yes, another double fault! Krejcikova cries out and looks to the skies. She’s doing the same in relief after the next point, as here’s a sixth set point. This time Krejcikova lands her serve … and Rybakina whacks into the net! We’re going to a third, on this day of deciding sets.

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Second set: Krejcikova* 3-6, 5-3 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Yes she can, as she showcases her craftiness and guile to get to 40-15, with the help of a rare drop shot. And she holds from there. So Rybakina is serving to stay in the second set … and steadies herself by holding to 30, which at least forces Krejcikova to serve this set out, although to be honest I’m a bit distracted by this …

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Krejcikova breaks: Krejcikova* 3-6, 4-2 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

But there again – Rybakina doesn’t even force Krejcikova to work for it in the next game, as she serves up two break points with a double fault. Krejcikova has her first break points of the second set – and Rybakina is left in a heap on the grass when the Czech strikes! Can Krejcikova now back up the break?

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Second set: Krejcikova 3-6, 3-2 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Rybakina has another break chance at 30-40. Again Krejcikova saves it. But she’s having to work so hard here. And she’s been court for much longer than Rybakina to get to this semi-final. The Czech lets out a huge cry after saving the break point and then holding. But how much does she have left? She’s going to have to summon Paolini levels of endurance to prevent the expected here.

It was long, tearful and overflowing with drama, above and below the main narrative, and there could be no denying the joy of the happiest little Italian of them all, Jasmine Paolini, at the end of the longest women’s semi-final in the history of Wimbledon.

Her smile and exuberance carried the love of the crowd, which was tough on Donna Vekic, emotional on an entirely different plane, battling anxiety, self-doubt and a history of lost years when once there might have been unfettered glory.

After two hours and 51 minutes - a minute longer than Serena Williams’s 2009 epic on this court against the Russian Elena Dementieva - Paolini went through to her second slam final of the summer (and her career), 2-6, 6-4 7-6 (8), but there were many moments when it could have gone either way.

The winner said courtside: “It was really tough. She played a great match. I tried to fight every ball. But I am so happy with this win. This match, I will remember forever. I was not trying to think too much, point by point. There is no place better than here to fight every point. For players this is the best place.”

“I think it is not easy for the family to watch a match like this, with the rollercoaster of emotions. I am so grateful to have them here, watching. This last month (after reaching the French Open final) has been crazy for me. But I am trying to focus on what’s happening on court. I was watching finals at Wimbledon when I was a kid. I am just living the present. I hope you enjoyed it. I tried to play my best. Now I have to recover, an ice bath. I am a little bit tired, so happy to be in the final.”

And the loser? She had much to regret, much to look back on, and too much to process in a career that once promised everything, and has delivered very little.

Second set: Krejcikova* 3-6, 2-2 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Krejcikova stays in touch at 30-all on Rybakina’s serve, but Rybakina then rips away a sixth ace. Another stinging serve and that’s the game.

Second set: Krejcikova 3-6, 2-1 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Rybakina hasn’t been just about the big serves and big hitting today – she’s also been coming to the net – more than Krejcikova, in fact, which is slightly unexpected. And Rybakina has been slicing a fair bit too. It helps get Rybakina to deuce – and then she unwinds with the inside-out forehand winner. An eighth break point for Rybakina. But now Krejcikova is rushing to the net and is rewarded for her efforts. Deuce. Advantage Krejcikova. Deuce. Advantage Krejcikova. Game Krejcikova. Credit to the Czech for refusing to back down, especially given how much Rybakina was bullying her at the start of the match.

Second set: *Krejcikova 3-6, 1-1 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Rybakina is Graf-like in how she doesn’t give anything away (and Graf and Ann Jones are the only women to have a better win rate than her at Wimbledon in the Open era) – but she puts her racket to her face when she misses a break point in the first game of the second set. There’s a little skip back to the baseline as she buries the short ball for 40-15 in the next game – and she serves it out to 30.

Rybakina wins the first set 6-3

Rybakina, keen to make amends for her awful miss on set point in the previous game, quickly charges to 40-15. And this time she does settle matters at the net, taking the first set in 42 minutes. Most of the Centre Court crowd are back now, as the evening shadows start to creep over the grass, but this feels like the after-show; Krejcikova will have to do something truly special from here to match the intense intrigue of that first semi.

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First set: Krejcikova 3-5 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Rybakina, perhaps feeling a little too comfortable, is promptly broken to 30. This match hasn’t really moved out of second gear yet – it couldn’t be more low-key compared with the drama of Paolini v Vekic – but you feel if Rybakina was pushed she’d be able to step up her level. But at the moment second gear is enough for Rybakina, as she gets to 15-40 on Krejcikova’s serve, two set points. Rybakina’s forehand has a little too much on it and flies wide. She looks to have found her range on the second set point with a rasping return, but then makes a total mess of the volley! Deuce. Advantage Krejcikova. Deuce. Advantage Krejcikova. And the 31st seed holds for the first time!

Rybakina breaks: Krejcikova 1-5 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Krejcikova, a French Open champion in 2021 who has struggled with illness and a back injury this season, has pulled off a couple of shocks this fortnight, upsetting the 11th seed Danielle Collins in the fourth round and the in-form Jelena Ostapenko in the quarter-finals, but finding a way to get through this match would be the greatest surprise of all. Rybakina recovers from dropping serve by breaking to love – and will serve for the set after less than half an hour.

Krejcikova breaks: Krejcikova* 1-4 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Rybakina is in a little bit of trouble at 30-all so slams down an ace – already her fifth of the match for 40-30. Krejcikova shows great resilience to stay in the next point and wait for the Rybakina error. Deuce. Break point. And Krejcikova gets one of the breaks back when Rybakina rams into the net!

Rybakina breaks: Krejcikova 0-4 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

A fine forehand from Rybakina and it’s 15-30 on the Krejcikova serve. A netted sliced backhand and it’s 30-all. Krejcikova then squats down low in an attempt to get the ball back, but hits wide and is now facing the prospect of a double-break deficit at 30-40. Rybakina, all effortless power and movement, controls the point and breaks. From the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history, we could be on course for the shortest.

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First set: Krejcikova* 0-3 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Hopefully we’ll be seeing a bit more of this today.

Mind you it’s all going so smoothly for Rybakina at 40-15 on serve – her sister is probably pretty calm. But Krejcikova fights her way to deuce. And then break point. Not that the crowd are cheering much; they’re still utterly done in from the first semi-final. Rybakina is always such a calm player, you’d never know if she was winning or losing looking at her face, so Krejcikova looks as if she’s the only one trying to generate some energy out there. She misses the first break point, and then a second. And Rybakina’s going to make her pay for that, as the world No 4 holds.

Rybakina breaks: Krejcikova 0-2 Rybakina* (*denotes next server)

Krejcikova (Cry-cheek-ova if you were wondering) steps up to serve in front of the Royal Box, which is almost empty after Paolini’s exhausting win. She could do with sending a little statement to Rybakina here that she can’t be bossed around, but the Czech is struggling to do that as she dips to 30-40, break point down. A cry from Krejcikova as she saves it. But she’s soon got another one to fend off, at Rybakina’s advantage. Krejcikova hits long and Rybakina has the early break.

First set: Krejcikova* 0-1 Rybakina (*denotes next server)

Rybakina took just 61 minutes to get past Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals, and carries on where she left off with an emphatic hold here to 15. Krejcikova has variety and court-craft, but Rybakina possesses so much power, especially with her huge serve, probably the best in the business. And the Russian-born Kazakh shows that in the opening game, with some strong serving and ball-striking from the back of the court.

The players are out and warming up. Krejcikova leads their head-to-head 2-0 but crucially neither of those matches were on grass. Rybakina is the better grass-court player – in fact she’s the best grass-court player in the women’s game – so she’s the strong favourite here and, ominously for Krejcikova, looks in even better touch than when she won the Wimbledon title two years ago.

“I’ve changed a lot, much more experience,” Rybakina says. “Before going further in the draw I was pretty nervous in 2022 but now I feel just more confident playing match by match. I just enjoy much more on the court.” And we know a relaxed Rybakina is a very dangerous one.

Do the Centre Court crowd have anything left in the tank for the second women’s semi? Do you? Do I? It’s doubtful. But Elena Rybakina v Barbora Krejcikova is coming up next.

Meanwhile Daniel is delighted, because Henry Patten has only gone and reached his first Wimbledon men’s doubles final! Patten, along with his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara, have defeated his fellow Briton and last year’s champion Neal Skupski, who was playing with New Zealand’s Michael Venus, 6-4 7-6. They’ll face Australia’s Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in Saturday’s final.

Paolini is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach both the Roland Garros and Wimbledon finals in the same year. And she’s not been beyond the second round of a slam before this year. Women’s tennis eh? Wonderfully unpredictable.

“I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a match as tight as that for such a long period of time,” says a near-speechless Billie Jean King. “I feel so sorry for Vekic but we’ve never had an Italian woman in the finals here and it’s wonderful for Italy.” Martina’s thoughts? “It was brutal.”

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Paolini – her smile as big as the Centre Court – speaks:

It was really tough today, she played unbelievable. She was hitting winners everywhere, I was struggling at the beginning, but I told myself to fight for every ball. I’m so happy with this win. This match I will remember for ever.

I was trying to think about what to do point by point, because it was really difficult. There is no place better than here to fight for every ball. I really enjoy to play in front of you guys, thank you for cheering for me. Grazie.

These last few months have been crazy for me [reaching the French Open final too]. I’m just trying to focus on what I have to do on court. I love playing tennis, it’s a dream. I was watching Wimbledon finals when I was a kid. I’m enjoying and being in the present, but these last few months have been crazy.

Paolini beats Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6!

8-all – and we will soon have another match point. But which way will it go? To Paolini, as Vekic rues an errant forehand. So it’s a third match point for Paolini … Vekic’s first serve is long … her second is good, but Vekic goes on to miscue another forehand! After the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history, at two hours and 51 minutes, Jasmine Paolini, the 28-year-old who’d never even won a match here before this year, is into the final! A heartbreaking, gut-wrenching loss for Vekic, who’s applauded by Paolini as she leaves the court. That was absorbing and see-sawing; intense and totally draining. A match for the history books.

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There may be nothing between them on the scoreboard, but the contrast in body language is still so stark. Paolini edges ahead on serve for 7-6; and Vekic gets to 7-all with some staggeringly gutsy hitting. This is about to become the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history, as Vekic moves to 8-7 …

Then 5-all, and 6-5 Vekic after a fierce serve. If this was a normal breaker Vekic would have match point. But nothing is that simple in this set – and they change ends with nothing between them once more at 6-all …

Paolini looks to the skies (which she can see for once; the roof is off today) after missing the baseline. 4-3 Vekic – then 4-all. Neither of them can pull away; it’s been the story of the final set. A failed challenge from Vekic – Hawk-Eye shows Paolini’s shot just grazed the line – and it’s 5-4 Paolini …

Paolini reduces her arrears to 3-2, and Vekic concedes the mini-break with a wayward forehand. 3-3 as they switch ends …

As it’s the final set, the breaker is first to 10 points. Paolini takes the first point on her serve – and Vekic wins the second point on her own serve. Tracy Austin remarks that Vekic looks like she has absolutely nothing left to give between points – but then as soon as they start, she’s still coming up with so many winners. 2-1 Vekic, then 3-1 for the first mini-break …

Third set: Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 6-6 Paolini

So Vekic – having saved a match point at 5-4 down – is again serving to stay in this semi-final. She regains her composure with a trusty inside-out forehand for 15-all. An ace down the middle and it’s 30-15. Apparently it was actually out – but Paolini didn’t appeal. No bother, because Paolini wins the next point for 30-all. So will it be match point or game point? Match point, after an error from Vekic’s racket. Vekic nets her first serve … the second is in, the pair are going down the middle, then cross-court, then down the line, then Vekic seizes the initiative by running forward! Deuce. Phew. A vexed Vekic looks in absolute bits out there but is still able to produce that. Advantage Vekic. Deuce. Advantage Vekic. Game Vekic. We’ve got ourselves a third-set tie-break!

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Third set: Vekic* 6-2, 4-6, 5-6 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

Another jarring, discombobulating shift in momentum as Vekic gets to 0-30 on the Paolini serve. My brain can’t compute any more; I’ve got no idea how the players are dealing with this. Vekic looks as if she’s being tortured; Paolini looks as if she’s enjoying the fight a little bit more. But Vekic still somehow finds her way to break point, as she flings everything she’s got – or more precisely 11 years of trying to reach a first slam final – into a ferocious forehand. Paolini lets out the loudest scream of the day when she survives. Deuce. Three advantages for Paolini follow; she doesn’t take any of them. And here’s a second break point for Vekic; she doesn’t prevail either. This is exhausting. And Paolini holds when Hawk-Eye comes to her assistance! Vekic is in tears as she goes back to her chair. This is tennis at its most dramatic and compelling best.

Third set: Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 5-5 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

Paolini, having worked so hard to get back into this third set, must try to remain aggressive and keep Vekic on the move. Vekic is clearly in pain; though I’m not sure how much of it is physical and how much of it is mental at this stage. Paolini wins the first point on Vekic’s serve for 0-15 – and then sprints forward to the drop shot as if her life depends on it, but she can’t get the ball back into play. 15-all. Paolini’s still asking questions at 30-all, and now here’s match point at 30-40! A Vekic first serve … and Paolini’s return lands wide. Deuce. Advantage Vekic, as she shows courage under serious fire. And Vekic is apologising after the next point as her forehand rattles the top of the net and flies over!

Third set: Vekic* 6-2, 4-6, 4-5 Paolini (*denotes next server)

Paolini stems the flow of all the breaks with a hold to love. Now she’s ahead in this third set for the very first time. Vekic has her head in her hands at the changeover; Paolini has ridden the rollercoaster and is now potentially a game away from her first Wimbledon final!

Paolini breaks: Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 4-4 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

Vekic, appearing to be in some discomfort with her arm, drops 15-40 down. A big serve out wide … but it’s called out. So two break points for Paolini and a second serve. And Vekic, having looked so assured for most of this match, wildly hits long! We’re back on serve. Again. Who wins from here? I’ve absolutely no idea. But if you really pushed me I’m going for Paolini.

Vekic breaks: Vekic* 6-2, 4-6, 4-3 Paolini (*denotes next server)

But then no sooner has Paolini broken, than she’s in danger of being broken herself. The Italian slumps to 15-40 when she is unable to control her volley. Now Paolini is a bundle of nerves; does anyone want to win this match? Maybe Vekic does – because a thunderous forehand secures the break. But let’s see if she can hold this time.

Paolini breaks: Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 3-3 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

More clapping and forza-ing as Paolini pulls slightly ahead at 15-30. Paolini is living dangerously in the next rally with a shot that just lands in – but then Vekic does actually end up going long. 15-40. Vekic has some stern words for her box; she wants them to be quiet so she can focus on saving these two break points. That’s a sign she’s feeling the tension. Paolini taps her head with her racket after not being able to do anything on the first. But she’s screaming in delight when she takes it on the second, as a poor Vekic shot shows how much the Croatian is struggling to contain her nerves right now.

Third set: Vekic* 6-2, 4-6, 3-2 Paolini (*denotes next server)

Another sniff of a double break for Vekic as she dispatches the smash for 30-all on Paolini’s serve. Paolini takes her time – before sending her first serve into the net. The second serve she lands, and then she absolutely wallops a forehand cross-court winner! That was one of her punchiest shots of the day. Vekic appears to be struggling with her arm. Or maybe it’s just nerves she’s trying to shake out. 40-30 becomes deuce and then advantage Paolini. “FORZA! FORZA!! FORZA!!!” the Italian tells herself. Paolini is a wall at the net and hits a superb low volley to seal the hold. Her mum smiles and claps.

Third set: Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 3-1 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

Daniel excitedly messages me to say Patten and Heliovaara are a set up in their men’s doubles semi-final on No 1 Court – just as Vekic rips through her serve to love. That’ll have felt good at this stage of the match; there haven’t been too many simple holds of late. Vekic is edging closer to the finish line – can she stay calm and composed?

Third set: Vekic* 6-2, 4-6, 2-1 Paolini (*denotes next server)

Vekic has a double break in her sights at 15-30 – which becomes 30-40 when Paolini’s backhand balloons wide. The Italian hopes Hawk-Eye will rescue her but it doesn’t. So it’s break point. But she then takes matters into her own hands with three successive points, rounding things off with a fizzing forehand cross-court winner! Paolini absolutely pelts back to her chair.

Third set: Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 2-0 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

That break was an unexpected change in momentum after Paolini’s late charge in the second set. And Vekic isn’t willing to surrender the initiative that she’s wrested back in this match. She holds to 15 and is practising her shots and jumping up and down on the baseline as she waits for Paolini to serve in the next game. Paolini’s energy is clearly contagious …

Vekic breaks: Vekic* 6-2, 4-6, 1-0 Paolini (*denotes next server)

Vekic is back. And the level hasn’t dropped one bit. Paolini is charging around like the Duracell bunny at 30-all – Vekic must be wondering how many times she has to try to win the point – but eventually the Croatian does. So here’s an early break point. Vekic can’t take it as she makes the error. Deuce. Advantage Vekic, a second break point. Given the two players are level in the match, this game is a pretty good gauge of who the crowd want to win. And it’s Paolini who’s drawing the bigger cheers. So there’s only polite applause when Vekic does break.

Vekic takes her leave to regather her thoughts. So time for us to gather ours. Vekic played so well in that second set – but it still wasn’t enough against the fight of Paolini, who was rewarded for mixing up the pace and her court positions. I’d make Paolini the slight favourite for this third set – she has the recent experience of coming through in the French Open semi-finals to draw on – but Vekic is playing some superb attacking tennis here and if she can put that overhead to the back of her mind can still be victorious.

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If Vekic loses this match that missed smash is probably going to haunt her for many a night.

Paolini wins the second set 6-4

That remarkable point in the previous game seems to have energised Paolini, who charges to 0-15 on the serve of Vekic – who then double faults for 0-30. But Vekic has been able in this match to come up with big serves when it matters and she does so agains for 15-30. But look! Two sets points at 15-40 for a third set – no less than this match deserves. Paolini has Vekic stumbling after an arrowed backhand down the line, and Paolini finishes her off with a forehand winner. Fancy a third set of this? Of course you do!

Second set: Vekic* 6-2, 4-5 Paolini (*denotes next server)

A lesson in perseverance for us all at 15-all, as Paolini scrambles back to chase down the lob, chops the ball back while not even facing the net, and Vekic – with the entire court to aim into – miscues with the smash! A wry smile from Vekic here. And Paolini comes through to hold to 15, sealing it with only her third ace.

Updated

Second set: Vekic 6-2, 4-4 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

A gasp as Vekic nets her drop shot at 30-0. Another as Vekic wallops wide at 30-15. But Vekic takes the next two points to hold. Looking at her face right now, you’d have no idea she was winning. And she’s still moving around at half-pace between points. Paolini, meanwhile, is all energy and fight and endeavour. But potentially Vekic is two games from her first grand slam final.

Second set: Vekic* 6-2, 3-4 Paolini (*denotes next server)

Paolini has been the Carlos Alcaraz of the women’s game this fortnight, playing with so much joy. But the smile has been replaced by a wince and grimace here, as she makes a total hash of the smash, framing it and going so long it hits the back board. 15-30. Vekic then takes Paolini to deuce, and the Italian holds firm. Paolini’s still not smiling at the end of the game though; she looks focused and up for the fight.

Updated

Second set: Vekic 6-2, 3-3* Paolini (*denotes next server)

A gripping exchange on the second point – the players sticks to the script as Vekic attacks and Paolini defends – and Vekic wins it by burying the short ball. 30-0. Make that 40-0. And game. Vekic will be relieved to take off a bit of pressure with an easy hold.

Second set: Vekic* 6-2, 2-3 Paolini (*denotes next server)

A change of tack from Paolini as she crushes and rushes to the net. But Vekic’s pass is too good. And Paolini is soon under more break-point pressure at 30-40. Vekic has taken two of six break points so far; Paolini zero from one. Vekic’s forehand peppers Paolini’s backhand … but Vekic then blazes wide. Deuce. Advantage Vekic, after a game of cat and mouse ends with Paolini prodding long when the court was open. A bigger and better serve from Paolini, and the Italian is screaming “COME ON!!!!!” And Paolini holds when Vekic’s backhand slams into the net. None of these games are being won easily now; this is turning into an absorbing contest.

Second set: Vekic 6-2, 2-2 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

Speaking of Croatians, of course Goran won Wimbledon in 2001 – but Vekic is the first Croatian woman to reach the semi-finals here since Mirjana Lucic in 1999. At this rate, Vekic isn’t going to stop at this stage, but Paolini is now putting up a fight. I’m gasping at 40-30 when Vekic looks for all the world as if she’s pulled off the pass – but the 5ft 4in Paolini – at full stretch – buries a winning forehand volley! Superb. And a fourth double fault for Vekic – she doesn’t leave much margin for error on her second serve – gives Paolini a break point; the Italian’s first of the match. Vekic sends down a dismissive serve. And doesn’t give Paolini another look-in.

Updated

Second set: Vekic* 6-2, 1-2 Paolini (*denotes next server)

Iva Majoli, the 1997 French Open champion, applauds approvingly in Vekic’s box as her fellow Croatian gets to 15-30 on the Paolini serve, then 30-all, and 30-40, break point. Centre Court, willing Paolini to survive, roar before she serves. It doesn’t look as if it’ll be enough, as Vekic crunches forehand after forehand and should really win the point despite Paolini’s tremendous scrambling skills – but Vekic misfires! Deuce. Another deuce. And Centre Court erupts when Paolini produces a stunning sliced volley. There’s some of the Italian flair they were hoping for. Paolini holds.

Second set: Vekic 6-2, 1-1 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

A superb backhand volley gets Paolini to 15-all on Vekic’s serve. And here’s some hope for Paolini when Vekic double faults for 15-30. The Italian is trying so hard here to find some momentum – but a fortunate net cord from Vekic befuddles Paolini. 30-all. Then, with Vekic off-balance and slipping on the grass, Paolini misses the chances to put away the winner! Vekic is moving a little slowly before the next point. She looks a little thrown by the fall. But she is screaming in delight when she quickly holds.

Second set: Vekic* 6-2, 0-1 Paolini (*denotes next server)

Vekic’s mix of power, drop shots and volleys has been so impressive, but she gets it all wrong at the start of the second set as she thwacks the ball against the umpire’s chair. I wish they had a line call for “way out”, that would definitely have qualified for one. Undeterred, Vekic is again asking questions on the Paolini serve at 30-all. But a rare errant shot from Vekic and Paolini has game point. And Paolini yelps in delight when Vekic hammers into the net.

Vekic wins the first set 6-2

You wouldn’t have a clue this is Vekic’s first grand slam semi-final, she’s looking a natural on the biggest stage. 15-0, 30-0, thanks to two big first serves. 40-0, with another impressive point, as Vekic flicks the switch from pure power to delicate touch at the net. Three set points … and Vekic seals it, appropriately, with an unreturned serve down the T. A dominant display from the Croatian.

Vekic breaks: Vekic* 5-2 Paolini (*denotes next server)

Vekic is getting the chance to gobble up so many second serves and is soon at 0-30 on Paolini’s serve. Then 0-40. A rare sigh from Paolini. The Italian finds her first serve on the first break point, and Vekic, perhaps taken aback by the increase in pace, sends her return long. But here are another two break points. Vekic does all the hard work, sending Paolini deep to her forehand wing, and attempts to send the winner beyond Paolini’s backhand wing – but nets. But here’s another deceptive drop shot … and Paolini prods into the tramlines! Vekic has the double break and will serve for the set.

First set: Vekic 4-2 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

Paolini has fast become a Wimbledon crowd favourite this year, with her near-constant smile. You wouldn’t blame her if she was frowning here, given the score, but she’s still able to laugh at herself when she appeals to Hawk-Eye after a Vekic ace and realises it was well in. 15-0. Which is soon 40-15. A second double fault from Vekic and it’s 40-30. It’ll be interesting to see – if Vekic stays out in front in this set – whether she’ll blink closer to the line. She hit five doubles in one game in the previous round. But Vekic doesn’t derail herself here and backs up the break with a hold to 30.

Updated

Vekic breaks: Vekic* 3-2 Paolini (*denotes next server)

I’ll be honest, I thought the occasion may be too much for Vekic this afternoon, but she appears to be relishing it so far. Paolini, remember, despite her inexperience on the big stage before this year, did reach the French Open final last month. A wonderful point at 30-15, the best of the match so far, they’re sending each other all over the shop, and Vekic triumphs when she shows great touch with a deft half-volley and Paolini is left scrambling around on the grass. 30-all. 30-40, when Paolini nets. And Vekic strikes when Paolini nets another forehand!

First set: Vekic 2-2 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

The amazing Ash Barty says on commentary that as a player you’re looking to get into a position where you can make the most of your biggest strength. For Vekic, Barty says, that’s the serve. For Paolini it’s constructing the points, and getting it on to the forehand. Vekic’s speed and depth on serve is relentless in this game. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game.

First set: Vekic* 1-2 Paolini (*denotes next server)

This is an interesting contrast in styles: Vekic’s serve and power against Paolini’s high-energy hussle. But for all of Vekic’s power, she’s such a languid figure on court between points, while Paolini is jumping around everywhere. Paolini is hopping on the baseline nervously at 30-all when Vekic attempts to pull off another drop shot that Paolini absolutely didn’t see coming … but it doesn’t quite clear the net. A let-off for Paolini. That was nearly break point. But instead the Italian holds to 30.

First set: Vekic 1-1 Paolini* (*denotes next server)

Vekic smokes a backhand winner down the line for 15-all. And hits another winner into the same spot, this time with her forehand. 30-15. She looked, at times, quite tortured in her quarter-final win over Lulu Sun, but has begun well here. Vekic then decides to mix up her power with a well-disguised drop shot – Paolini gets to it – but is unable to prevail from here. 40-15. Game Vekic. A confident start.

First set: Vekic* 0-1 Paolini (*denotes next server)

Paolini steps up to serve first – and Vekic sends her return beyond the baseline. A much longer rally then plays out – those longer exchanges should favour Paolini today – and eventually Vekic makes the error. Vekic is pushing and pushing on her forehand on the third point – she has the greater power of the two – and is rewarded for her early bravery. 30-15.

It looks as if it won’t be enough to make further inroads into the opening game as Paolini gets to 40-15 – but two errors from the Italian and it’s deuce. And a second deuce. And a third. Vekic jumps on Paolini’s second serve and the Croatian has a first break point. She flashes a forehand into the net when she should do better. And Paolini holds from there after an eight-minute opening game. More of the same of this, please.

On the BBC, Tracy Austin is offering her thoughts on the match-up. “Vekic needs a quick start, because she’ll be more nervous,” Austin says. “Plus she’s had four three-setters. She doesn’t move as well as Paolini, she needs to make the first strike and try to dominate and dictate. Vekic disguises her drop-shot well. Her opponent braces for the power, but then the drop-shot arrives. That’s going to be important for Vekic today, but Paolini is an incredible mover.”

Vekic leads the way on to court, a few steps ahead of the diminutive Paolini. These two have played each other three times before, with Paolini leading the head-to-head 2-1.

Even though both are appearing in their first Wimbledon semi-final at the age of 28, Vekic was a prodigy in her early days, while Paolini has come out of nowhere to become the latest of late bloomers. And even Vekic is a supporter of the overnight star.

“She’s a great girl,” Vekic says. “You can always see her smiling. I don’t know if anyone is smiling as much as she does on court. She’s really played amazing this year, I’m really, really happy for her.”

Here Paolini and Vekic come, winding their way through the corridors of the All England Club. This will be Vekic’s first match on Centre Court this year, but organisers did let her have a hit on the grass this morning.

In the men’s wheelchair singles, Britain’s Alfie Hewett is attempting to reach the final for a third consecutive year. He’s 6-1 up on No 3 Court against France’s Stephane Houdet in their second-round match.

Good things come to those who wait. In her 43rd grand slam event, 11 and a half years after her debut in a major, Donna Vekic secured a place in her first grand slam semi-final on Tuesday with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 win over Lulu Sun, ending the stunning run of the New Zealand qualifier, whose legs gave out in the third set of a gruelling contest. Vekic hit 11 aces, six double faults – including five in one game as she tried to serve out the second set – before stepping it up in the decider to set up a semi-final against either Jasmine Paolini of Italy or the American, Emma Navarro.

“It was a really tough match, she played unbelievable,” a drained Vekic said, the tears starting to flow. “I feel like she really pushed me to my limits. I felt like I was dying out there, the first two sets, but just kept going, hoping to have a chance and it came in the end.”

To watch the Croatian can be a stressful experience, the strains and intensity of the matches writ large on her face. In 2021, she was unsure if she would ever play again at this level after undergoing knee surgery and, the following year, struggling with plantar fasciitis before more knee trouble interrupted her progress. As recently as a few days before the French Open in May, she found herself not wanting to play any more.

The dolore didn’t last long. After Jannik Sinner’s defeat by Daniil Medvedev, the Italian flags on Centre Court were soon fluttering again as Jasmine Paolini defeated Emma Navarro 6-1, 6-2 to become the first Italian woman to reach a Wimbledon semi-final. Not bad for a 28-year-old who, until this year, had not won a single tour match on grass.

This was the first time in four attempts Paolini had made it past the first round at this tournament. She had lost to the American every time they had played before – three times in the past nine months.

“Mentally it was tough to play against her,” said Paolini, who will face Donna Vekic in the semi-final after the Croatian beat Lulu Sun. “I love the way she plays. The last three matches I was really struggling with her. I was repeating to myself that it’s a different match, different surface, so to try to be aggressive. I think I played a really, really good match.”

A couple of weeks before the start of Wimbledon, Elena Rybakina had an all too familiar setback. In the early stages of a quarter-final during a warm‑up tournament in Berlin, she retired with a stomach injury. A cloud of uncertainty still hung over her ­status as she returned to ­Wimbledon, where in 2022 she won her first and only major title.

But as Rybakina has progressed through the draw and all of her rivals have gradually fallen away, she has reached the final stages performing at a spectacular level and reinforcing her status as the ­prohibitive favourite. Rybakina returned to the semi-finals with an imperious performance on Centre Court, crushing a helpless Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-2.

In the past two years Rybakina has established herself inside the top five while consistently making deep runs and winning titles across all surfaces. She might have achieved even more if not for the health problems she has had to ­consistently address. She has retired or withdrawn from matches six times over the past year, mostly because of illnesses that have con­tinued to affect her matches and training for weeks. This time around, she has quickly shaken off those issues and rediscovered her form.

Updated

Patten and Skupski won’t be messing around like this, that’s for sure.

And a reminder of how Rybakina, Krejcikova, Paolini and Vekic got here …

Updated

Gonzalez and Eikeri lead 4-3 with the break in that mixed doubles quarter-final, but home interest in the doubles will be on No 1 Court later, where we’re guaranteed to end up with a Brit in the men’s final. Henry Patten – a favourite of this blog (I know who Daniel will be sneakily watching while also on Euro blog duty) – partners Finland’s Harri Heliovaara, while Neal Skupski plays alongside New Zealand’s Michael Venus. Theirs is the second men’s semi-final on No 1.

Updated

Today's order of play

Centre Court, 1.30pm BST
Donna Vekic (Cro) v (7) Jasmine Paolini (Ita)
(31) Barbora Krejcikova (Cze) v (4) Elena Rybakina (Kaz)

No 1 Court, 1pm
(1) Marcel Granollers (Spa) & Horacio Zeballos (Arg) v (15) Max Purcell (Aus) & Jordan Thompson (Aus)
Harri Heliovaara (Fin) & Henry Patten (Gbr) v (9) Neal Skupski (Gbr) & Michael Venus (Nzl)
Santiago Gonzalez (Mex) & Giuliana Olmos (Mex) v Marcus Willis (Gbr) & Alicia Barnett (Gbr)

No 2 Court, already under way
Maximo Gonzalez (Arg) & Ulrikke Eikeri (Nor) v Nathaniel Lammons (USA) & Ena Shibahara (Jpn)
(7) Jan Zielinski (Pol) & Su-Wei Hsieh (Tpe) v Jamie Murray (Gbr) & Taylor Townsend (USA)

Preamble

Hello! And welcome to our coverage of the women’s semi-finals. Amid all the chaos this fortnight – a late withdrawal from the title favourite Aryna Sabalenka, a first-round dethroning of the defending champion Marketa Vondrousova, a third-round exit for the world No 1 Iga Swiatek and a fourth-round defeat out of nowhere for the previously impressive Coco Gauff – there has been one constant: the steady but spectacular presence of Elena Rybakina.

The 2022 champion, apart from conceding a set in the second round, has crushed everyone in her path, dropping only 13 games in her four other matches. Despite her injury and illness-hit build-up, she’s looking more dominant at Wimbledon than she did two years ago – and with 19 wins from 21 career matches here the Russian-born Kazakh is reaching Steffi Graf-like levels of efficiency.

This afternoon Rybakina faces Barbora Krejcikova, the clever and crafty Czech who’s trying to emulate her late mentor Jana Novotna by winning Wimbledon. Krejcikova has beaten Rybakina in their two previous matches – but crucially neither of those were on grass. Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion, is very much the underdog.

Jasmine Paolini, meanwhile, had never been beyond the second round of a grand slam when Rybakina claimed her Wimbledon title. The Italian had never even won a match at Wimbledon before this year. But now this most joyful of late bloomers, all life-affirming energy, enthusiasm and ebullience, is the favourite – both with the fans and bookies – to beat Donna Vekic and reach her second consecutive slam final.

Vekic – at 28 the same age as Paolini – has also saved the best until late in her career. This is the Croatian’s first major semi-final at her 43rd attempt – having admitted she felt like she was “dying out there” in her tense quarter-final comeback against Emma Raducanu’s conqueror Lulu Sun. Vekic considered quitting tennis in May after a succession of injuries affected her form and motivation – but here the world No 37 is, just two wins from making all the pain and persistence worth it.

Women’s tennis is not as wildly inconsistent as it was in the early years post-Serena – the fact that Swiatek, Sabalenka and Gauff are the current major holders is proof of that – and along with Rybakina they’re ahead of the rest of the field. A new Big Four? Perhaps. But they’re far from emulating the consistency that the original Big Four produced on the men’s side. Rybakina is the favourite to win the Wimbledon title from here but she’ll take nothing for granted; this tournament has reminded us that the women’s game is still more than capable of throwing up the unexpected.

Play begins at: 1.30pm BST. The sun is shining, it’s the warmest day of the championships, so there won’t be any delays. Don’t be late!

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