Wimbledon Semi-Final: Vekic Overwhelmed By Pain In Historic Loss

Donna Vekic expressed that she endured significant pain during her historic Wimbledon semi-final loss to Jasmine Paolini, which explained her tears in the third set of the intense match. Despite leading in the first set, Vekic ultimately lost 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) on Centre Court, missing out on her first major final.

Vekic's emotions seemed to overwhelm her as she let an early break in the deciding set slip away, eventually losing after two hours and 51 minutes. This match became the longest women's singles semi-final in Wimbledon history. Vekic clarified that her tears were due to the physical strain she experienced during the match.

"I thought I was going to die in the third set," Vekic stated during her post-match press conference. "I had so much pain in my arm and leg. It was not easy out there, but I will recover." She added that her tears were more about the pain than anything else. "I didn't know how I could keep playing," she said.

Her team reassured her that she should be proud of herself despite the tough situation. "It's really tough to be positive right now," Vekic admitted. "It was so close." The emotional and physical toll of the match was evident as she reflected on her performance.

Jasmine Paolini will now face Barbora Krejcikova in Saturday's final. This will be Paolini's second grand slam title match after losing to Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros in June. Reflecting on reaching two consecutive grand slam finals, Paolini said, "Two grand slam finals in a row was crazy to believe, I think, no?"

Paolini expressed surprise at how well she has managed the pressure so far. "I'm also surprised how at this moment, until now in this moment, I'm living this," she said. She acknowledged that she might feel nervous on Saturday but currently feels relaxed.

"I'm the same person. I'm doing the same things," Paolini continued. "I'm surprised a little bit how I'm managing this. I don't want to say more because maybe Saturday I'm going to be shaking." Her ability to stay calm under pressure has been a key factor in her recent success.

The upcoming final promises to be an exciting match as both players aim for victory. While Vekic deals with her disappointment and physical recovery, Paolini prepares for another chance at a grand slam title.