Seventh seed Jasmine Paolini blazed past American Emma Navarro 6-2 6-1 on Tuesday, becoming the first Italian woman to make the Wimbledon semifinals where she will meet experienced Croatian Donna Vekic.
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The 28-year-old's victory ensured she eclipsed compatriots Camila Giorgi (2018), Francesca Schiavone (2009), Silvia Farina Elia (2003) and Laura Golarsa (1989), who had all reached the quarterfinals at the grasscourt Grand Slam in the Open era.
"It's unbelievable, it's amazing to get the win in this special court. I'm so happy to be in the semifinal. I don't know what to say in this moment," a grinning Paolini said.
"It's a dream to be here in this position ... I was watching finals when I was a kid, on this court.
"I have to say today I played a really good match, she's a really tough opponent, I lost (to) her three times in the last year, so it was tough."
Navarro drew first blood in the third game with a forehand rocket but Paolini responded immediately and the French Open runner-up then ramped up the pressure after some heavy exchanges from the baseline to pull away for a 5-2 lead in the first set.
The diminutive Italian mixed things up against her American opponent to comfortably win her fifth straight game and take the first set in double quick time on Centre Court.
This volley is something else 😲@JasminePaolini was on another level today 👏#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/aVKLrMWYQm
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2024
Navarro, who had never lost in three previous meetings with Paolini, gave herself a fighting chance with two break points in the third game of the next set but the 19th seed was unable to convert either.
The 23-year-old's hopes of reaching a first Grand Slam semifinal faded further as Paolini took a 5-1 lead, having staved off another comeback attempt.
Paolini wobbled slightly as she looked to land the knockout blow on serve but a wayward shot from Navarro sent her through to a meeting with Vekic, who ended the fairytale run of New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun with a 5-7 6-4 6-1 win earlier.
"In the semifinals you have to play tough opponents, and she's playing amazing," Paolini said.
"I hope to enjoy the next match, to give 100 per cent and I'm going to fight on every ball. I'm just so grateful to be here another time, in front of you guys."