The Italian pocket-rocket, Jasmine Paolini, will face Barbora Krejcikova in the final of the ladies’ singles at Wimbledon on Saturday.

It means that a first-time winner will be crowned at the world’s richest and most prestigious grand slam which gets played at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

On Thursday, the French Open finalists, Paolini, fought from a set down to beat Donna Vekic in a three-set marathon which is officially the longest-ever women’s singles semi-final at the grass-court grand slam.

Paolini beat Vekic 2-6, 6-4 and 7-6 to reach back-to-back grand slam semi-finals.

In her on-court interview Paolini said it was a special win.

“Two Grand Slam finals in a row was crazy to believe,” said the ever bubbly Paolini who became the first Italian woman to reach two Grand Slam finals.

“I think it's really important for the next generation to have people that can do great things. They can show you that it's possible.

“I don't want to compare too much because I'm writing my own story, my own career.”

Barbora Krejcikova - AELTC/Bob Martin

In the second semi-final Krejcikova also fought back from a set down to beat the 2022 champion, Elena Rybakina, 3-6, 6-3 and 6-4.

Krejcikova who remained cool, calm, and collected against Rybakina said following what has been a difficult season, reaching the Wimbledon final is special.

“During the season it was very difficult,” said the 2021 French Open champion.

“I have had many difficult periods. I never really imagined that in four weeks I could reach a Wimbledon final, that I can be a different player.

“I'm super happy that I was able to fight through everything and that I’m sitting here now.”

The women’s singles final at Wimbledon will be played on Saturday afternoon.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport