Yesterday, fans were treated to a blockbuster women’s Wimbledon final, in which Barbora Krejcikova overcame Jasmine Paolini across three sets.
It always feels like the final of a Grand Slam deserves to go the distance, but given how the match started, few would have predicted as such.
After all, the Italian simply could not compete with her 28-year-old opponent, who dictated the first set with impressive authority.
However, a bathroom break sparked Paolini into action, who made a contest out of things by taking the second.
A double fault late in the third converted a break point for Krejcikova, which proved to be the fatal blow.
She can take solace in a second straight Grand Slam final defeat though, with the many hearts she has won across this six-week period.
Boris Becker sends message to Jasmine Paolini
One particularly high-profile new fan she has won is Boris Becker, who actually took to X just after the conclusion of the final.
Paolini was the first to tweet, thanking as many people as she could whilst seeking to savour what was still a hugely impressive feat, to reach the final of Wimbledon.
She wrote: ‘When I was little, I watched this fantastic tournament on TV. Playing in the final here is a lifetime memory. I didn’t win, but it’s still a good day. Thanks to everyone cheering for me—family, team, and sponsors. Thank you, @Wimbledon. Grazie mille!’
And this heartfelt message sparked an equally heartfelt reply from Becker, who claimed: ‘Jasmine, you may have lost the match today but you won millions of hearts with your performance&smile !
‘You should be proud of yourself and celebrate your accomplishments!!! Forza Italy’.
To outline how tough to call this match initially was, Lindsey Davenport and Jim Courier’s Wimbledon final predictions clashed ahead of this showdown.
Women’s Wimbledon final provides hope to all
Although it may come across as somewhat disingenuous, yesterday’s final should provide hope to WTA players the world over.
After all, it first consisted of Paolini, who admittedly was featuring in consecutive Grand Slam finals, but before this year had never made it past the second round of a Grand Slam.
And secondly, Krejcikova, whilst a far more storied star in this sport, started the event ranked 32nd in the world, having won Roland Garros in the past, a feat which few would have predicted she would have replicated in SW19 of all places.
These are two of the most unlikely finalists in recent memory, and yet it was anyone’s game, with the final showdown providing plenty of entertainment even if it did always feel like it was on the racket of the Czech.
She dictated the play with her thunderous forehands and fine serving, despite conceding the second set, and those on centre court were treated to a fine day out where both players gave their all.
Going forward, anyone ranked within the top 50 or even beyond should go into every Grand Slam thinking that miracles can happen, with this as an inspirational tale for all those seeking motivation.
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