Jasmine Paolini remembered her childhood days watching the finals of the Wimbledon Championships moments after losing the women's singles final of the 2024 edition of the prestigious grasscourt Major. The Italian also recalled cheering for Roger Federer, who won a record eight men's singles titles at SW19 during his illustrious career.
Paolini reached the final at SW19 after battling past Sara Sorribes, Greet Minnen, Bianca Andreescu, Madison Keys (W/O), Emma Navarro, and Donna Vekic. However, in the final on Saturday, July 13, the Italian faced a formidable opponent with Grand Slam-winning experience in Barbora Krejcikova, who, coming into the match, had won the 2021 French Open women's singles title and ten other Major titles across women's doubles and mixed doubles categories.
Krejcikova dominated Paolini in the first set, storming to a 6-2 win. However, the Italian roared back in the second, reversing the first set score to level things up. Ultimately though, the Czech emerged triumphant after winning the third set 6-4.
During her post-match interview on Centre Court, the usually-smiling Paolini expressed her sadness at the loss to Krejcikova. However, she admitted that despite her loss, the fact that she made it to the Wimbledon final was something special.
"Today, I'm a little bit sad. I try just to keep smiling because I have to remember that today is still a good day. I did the final at Wimbledon," Paolini said.
The Italian turned nostalgic soon after, revisiting her childhood days, when she used to root for Federer whenever he would step out on Centre Court to contest a final.
"I was looking at the TV as a kid, looking at the finals, cheering for [Roger] Federer I have to say. To be here now, it's crazy and I think I enjoyed every moment here. Yeah, it's been a beautiful two weeks," Paolini added.
Wimbledon 2024 marks 3rd Major final loss for Jasmine Paolini in just over a month
Paolini has gone from strength to strength this year and cemented herself as a top 10 player on the WTA Tour. The World No. 7 won the second WTA Tour-level title of her career earlier this year by beating Anna Kalinskaya in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships, and then reached the French Open final in June.
However, at Roland-Garros, two-time defending champion Iga Swiatek proved too hot to handle for the Italian, as she slumped to a 6-2, 6-1 defeat. Paolini had also reached the women's doubles final at the French Open, but the duo of Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova emerged triumphant over her and her partner Sara Errani.
The Italian's Wimbledon 2024 final loss marks her third Major final defeat in less than two months. Paolini's silver lining is that she is, right now, fifth in the WTA Tour live rankings.
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