Never mind that Jasmine Paolini had never won a main-draw singles match at the All England Club in three previous appearances. Nor that, until this year, she’d never won a WTA-level main draw match on grass.
With a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Emma Navarro on Tuesday, the 28-year-old eased into a first Wimbledon semi-final and built on her spectacular year.
After reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open, Paolini progressed to a first Grand Slam final at Roland-Garros. She’ll have a chance to secure back-to-back appearances in the finals of a Slam when she faces Donna Vekic in the semi-finals.
“It’s unbelievable. Just unbelievable It's amazing to get the win in this court, in this special court,” said Paolini, her trademark smile stretching wide. “I'm so lucky to be in the semi-finals. I don't know what to say.”
Paolini’s superb transition from clay to grass, which began with the Italian’s semi-final run at Eastbourne, has featured wins this Fortnight over Sara Sorribes Tormo, Greet Minnen, Bianca Andreescu and Madison Keys.
And the No.7 seed didn’t miss a beat as she overcame Navarro, who had toppled former world No.1 Naomi Osaka in the second round and highly fancied No.2 seed Coco Gauff.
Paolini was all purpose as she stepped onto the world’s most famous tennis setting, just before 6pm. The roof was closed due to steady rain, the grey London day creating a subdued light. But there was nothing subdued about Paolini’s game.
Winners came from both the baseline and the net as she easily managed every challenge from her fellow quarter-final debutante. Paolini claimed a first service break in the third game and, while she couldn’t consolidate, there was always the sense that the Italian was dictating.
With the match moving at the same speed as her court coverage, Paolini went ahead in the sixth game and secured the first set in 27 minutes.
Paolini was only growing in confidence, while Navarro’s energy appeared to fade. There was no looking back as she took a 3-1 lead, saving three break points in the second set to secure a dominant win in less than an hour.
The stats told the story of a dazzling performance that earned a standing ovation from an adoring crowd. Paolini’s 19 winners easily outnumbered Navarro's nine and she was successful in 16 of 17 points at the net.
Further underlining the gains she’s made this season, it was Paolini’s first win over Navarro in the four matches they’ve played. “I feel so, so happy and I have to say today I played a really good match. She’s a really tough opponent,” she said.
Having equalled the milestones of four Italian predecessors – Camilia Giorgi (in 2018) Francesca Schiavone (2009), Silvia Farina Elia (2003) and Laura Golarsa (1989) – as a Wimbledon quarter-finalist, Paolini becomes the first woman from her nation to progress to the final four.
“It’s so special. I mean it’s a dream to be here in this position. You know I was watching finals when I was a kid on this court – and I don’t know, it’s strange to be here.”
Paolini is already dreaming of extending her stay when she takes on Vekic in another milestone match.
“In the semi-finals, you have to play tough opponents. She’s playing amazing,” she noted. “I hope to enjoy the next match to give my 100 per cent and I’m going to fight on every ball.
“I’m just so grateful to play here another time.”
