Italy’s Jasmine Paolini lost the Wimbledon women’s singles final 2-6, 6-2, 4-6 to Czech Barbora Krejcikova in a dramatic encounter on Saturday.
This is the second consecutive Grand Slam final defeat for the 28-year-old, following her 6-2, 6-1 loss to defending champion and world number one Iga Świątek of Poland at the French Open last month.
The Tuscan player, who made history as the first Italian woman to reach a Wimbledon final, had a shaky start and lost her serve twice in the first set. However, she roared back in the second set, putting Krejcikova under pressure and breaking her serve twice.
The third set remained on serve until the seventh game, when Paolini conceded a break with a double fault. She made Krejcikova work hard for the title, earning two break points in the final game and saving two championship points before ultimately losing.
Paolini, who had never won a match on grass before this season, was gracious in defeat. “You play such beautiful tennis, Barbora,” said the Italian, who became a fan favourite at Wimbledon with her big smile and cheerful disposition. “Congratulations to you and your team.
“Today I’m a bit sad. I’m trying to keep smiling because I have to remember that today is still a beautiful day. I’m in a Wimbledon final, and when I was a kid, I watched the final and rooted for Federer. It’s crazy to be here.
“From Paris to Wimbledon, the last two months have been crazy, and these last two weeks even more so. It was beautiful to feel the love of the public.”