Wimbledon 2024 women's final: Jasmine Paolini v Barbora Krejcikova

The Wimbledon women’s singles final featuring Italy’s seventh seed Jasmine Paolini and the 31st seeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova is set to occur at the All England Club on Saturday. Additionally, the men’s and women’s doubles finals will be held.

Jasmine Paolini

Unexpected Final may be a delight

Hardly anyone would have predicted a Wimbledon final between a player who had never secured a victory on grass prior to this summer and another 28-year-old who has been consistently knocked out in the first round this season.

Jasmine Paolini

Yet, Paolini and Krejcikova will face off for the prestigious Venus Rosewater Dish on Centre Court.

For those who prefer to see the biggest stars in Grand Slam finals, the early exits of Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, along with Aryna Sabalenka’s withdrawal, were indeed disappointing.

Jasmine Paolini

However, for enthusiasts who appreciate tennis skill over sheer baseline power, Saturday’s final promises to be a treat as Krejcikova and Paolini clash for just the second time.

The petite Paolini won over spectators at the French Open by making it to the final, where she was defeated by Swiatek. Her joyful style of tennis has been a refreshing change from the dreary weather during Wimbledon fortnight. Despite a dismal grasscourt record, with her three previous Wimbledon attempts ending in first-round exits, Paolini made it to the semi-finals in Eastbourne last month. Something has clicked in her inventive play, characterised by clever angles, spins, and quick court movement. Croatia’s Donna Vekic remarked before their thrilling semi-final that she had never seen anyone smile as much on court as Paolini. However, beneath her delightful exterior lies a tenacious fighter spirit that has driven her into the top 10. Krejcikova is familiar with major tournaments, having won the French Open in 2021 and seven Grand Slam doubles titles.

Jasmine Paolini

However, a series of six losses in eight singles matches leading up to Wimbledon didn’t exactly predict a strong performance at the tournament. Following a narrow escape in the opening round against Veronika Kudermetova, Krejcikova’s confidence surged, leading her to defy expectations and defeat fourth seed Elena Rybakina in the semi-final. “I have had many difficult periods this year,” she remarked. “Honestly, four weeks ago, I never thought I could make it to a Wimbledon final or transform into a different player.”

Jasmine Paolini

Paolini on the brink of Italian history

The athlete from the Tuscan region is striving to become the first Italian to secure a Wimbledon singles championship, three years after fellow countryman Matteo Berrettini was defeated in the men’s final. “I’m crafting my own narrative, my own career,” Paolini remarked when questioned about joining the ranks of past Italian legends. No matter the outcome on Saturday, she has already placed herself among illustrious company—equalling Steffi Graf, Justine Henin, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams by reaching both the French Open and Wimbledon finals in a single season. “Two Grand Slam finals consecutively is unbelievable,” she commented.

Jasmine Paolini

Krejcikova upholding a Czech tradition

While Italian singles success at Wimbledon has been limited, Czech women frequently feature on the list of title holders. Marketa Vondrousova clinched the title last year, while Petra Kvitova was victorious in 2011 and 2014, and Czech-born Martina Navratilova holds a record with nine titles.

The late Jana Novotna, the 1998 champion, who played a significant role in inspiring Krejcikova’s career, served as her mentor. “After my junior career, Jana greatly influenced me because I had the chance to meet her, spend time with her, and observe her behaviour and the qualities that made her such a great champion,” she shared.

Doubles Finals

There is Czech representation in the women’s doubles final with Katerina Siniakova, who has won two Wimbledon doubles titles with Krejcikova, partnering with American Taylor Townsend against Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe.

In the men’s doubles final, Britain will have representation with Henry Patten teaming up with Finland’s Harri Heliovaara to face the Australian pair Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson.

Jasmine Paolini
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Wimbledon match schedule for Day 13

Below is the match schedule for Centre Court on the 13th day of the Wimbledon championships, happening on Saturday (numbers indicate seeding): 31-Barbora Krejcikova vs. 7-Jasmine Paolini 15-Max Purcell/Jordan Thompson vs. Harri Heliovaara/Henry Patten 4-Katerina Siniakova/Taylor Townsend vs. 2-Gabriela Dabrowski/Erin Routliffe

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