Jasmine Paolini reached her second consecutive Grand Slam final in what is now officially the longest Wimbledon women’s semifinal match on record.
It took her 2 hours and 51 minutes to achieve the feat after dropping the opening set, to win the contest 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 over Donna Vekic on center court.
Seventh seed Paolini will now face Czech 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova after she claimed a remarkable 3-6 6-3, 6-4 comeback victory against Elena Rybakina, the 2022 champion.
It means there will be a new name etched into the Venus Rosewater Dish following Saturday’s final.
Paolini, who had never won a match at this tournament before this year but who has gained huge popularity with her enthusiasm, bubbly personality and incredible shot-making skills, said: “I was serving really bad so I am so happy. This match I will remember forever.