Jasmine Paolini has enjoyed a stunning rise in tennis lately, having just reached back-to-back Grand Slam finals.
The Italian lost out to world number one Iga Swiatek at the French Open last month, with the Pole winning 6-2, 6-1.
But Paolini immediately recovered as the grass season got underway, with the 28-year-old reaching the Eastbourne International semi-finals.
She will have gained plenty of confidence from that run, particularly given Daria Kasatkina went on to win the title after beating Paolini.
The Italian then went one better at Wimbledon, storming her way to a final meeting with Barbora Krejcikova.
Jasmine Paolini makes WTA history at Wimbledon
Both players were aiming to win their first titles at the All England Club, with the Czech emerging victorious after a fantastic battle.
Despite the loss, Paolini has now made history, having become the first player ranked outside the WTA top five to reach the women’s singles finals at the French Open and Wimbledon in a calendar year, according to OptaAce on X.
The Italian also matched a tennis icon by making the final, with Paolini having become the first player since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach the Roland Garros and Wimbledon finals in the same season.
Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova climb WTA rankings
Seventh-seed Paolini was ranked higher than her opponent heading into the game, with Krejcikova the 31st seed.
According to journalist Jose Morgado, the Italian has now climbed two places in the WTA rankings to fifth, a new career high.
Krejcikova meanwhile has climbed a stunning 22 places to rise to 10th place following her Wimbledon success.
The Czech star has replicated the success of her compatriot Marketa Vondrousova, who lifted the trophy last year.
Krejcikova beat Paolini 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 on Centre Court, with the former embracing the latter after almost two hours on court.
She has even had time to comfort another tennis star during her run at SW19, with Krejcikova labelling Andy Murray ‘amazing’ following his Wimbledon farewell.
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