In the annals of Wimbledon, few days have matched the unpredictability of the 2024 Semifinals.
The usual story of favourites easily winning all the odds was nowhere to be seen. Instead, we saw a Czech player drawing strength from a past champion’s memory to beat a current star. We marvelled as a pint-sized Italian, all smiles and determination, outplayed an opponent who could have overshadowed her journey.
And just when we thought we had seen it all, the men’s draw reminded us why tennis at its peak is a battleground of wills as much as skills. A young Spanish star, moving with grace and power, faced off a tireless Russian veteran. All while a Serbian former No.1 showed us why, even after a very recent knee surgery, he remains the toughest player to beat.
Krejcikova’s Epic Comeback Stuns Rybakina
The Centre Court crowd witnessed an extraordinary turnaround as Barbora Krejcikova, the No.31 seed, staged one of the most astonishing comebacks in recent Wimbledon memory. Facing 2022 champion Elena Rybakina, Krejcikova found herself in a seemingly hopeless position, down 0-4 after just 19 minutes.
Rybakina, the scorching hot favourite, began the match in devastating form. Her powerful serve was on full display as she quickly built her lead. For Krejcikova, who came into this grass court season without a single completed win since January, the mission seemed impossible.
However, the second set saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Capitalising on Rybakina’s third double fault of the match, Krejcikova secured a crucial break. In the final set, the crowd watched in awe as Krejcikova served out the match at her first opportunity, securing an improbable 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.
In her post-match interview, an emotional Krejcikova paid tribute to her late mentor, Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion. “I worked with Jana Novotna,” she said, her voice breaking. “She told me a lot of stories about her journey here and how she tried to win. She is definitely my inspiration. I fight for every single ball because I think that’s what she’d want me to do.”
This victory marked Krejcikova’s first win over a top-five player in a Grand Slam. From the brink of defeat, she had clawed her way back to reach her first Wimbledon final, channelling the spirit of her beloved mentor and etching her name in the tournament’s history.
Giant-Killer Paolini Outduels Vekic and Reaches Wimbledon Final
In a match that can only be described as an instant classic, Jasmine Paolini edged out Donna Vekic in an exciting contest that had Centre Court on the edge of their seats. The Italian’s journey to this point was already impressive, having arrived at Wimbledon without a single match win on this turf to her name.
Paolini found herself down a set and twice trailing by a break in the final set. However, her fighting spirit and infectious smile never wavered. She clawed her way back each time, eventually sealing a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(8) victory in a tiebreak that lasted nearly three hours.
Vekic, the unseeded Croatian with a side hustle in luxury candle-making, seemed to have the upper hand early on. Her experience on grass was evident as she claimed the first set with relative ease. But Paolini, undeterred, found her rhythm, matching Vekic’s power with her own brand of aggressive tennis.
In the final set, Vekic twice held the advantage, but Paolini’s resilience shone through. In a back-and-forth battle, Paolini finally converted her third match point and won, enjoying the moment in a mixture of exhaustion and happiness.
The intensity of the match was palpable, with Vekic visibly in tears even before the final point was played. Paolini, meanwhile, radiated joy and disbelief at her achievement. “This match, I’ll remember it forever,” she beamed in her post-match interview. “It was a roller-coaster of emotions.”
Paolini’s run to the final is particularly remarkable given her pre-tournament doubts about grass court play. Now, she stands on the precipice of history, ready to become the shortest champion in the Open Era (she’s 5ft 4in!) and the first Italian woman to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish.
Alcaraz’s Tennis Propels Him to Second Straight Wimbledon Final
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz secured his spot in the Wimbledon final for the second consecutive year, defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in a splendid semifinal match. Medvedev, fresh off his victory against Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals, started strong, clinching the first set in a tiebreak. But Alcaraz, true to his reputation, refused to be deterred.
Despite the win, Alcaraz remained modest about his performance. “Honestly, I feel I’ve played better matches this year here — against Tommy Paul, for example,” he admitted. However, he expressed confidence in his form heading into the final.
The match wasn’t without its challenges. Alcaraz dropped the first set, struggling with nerves and rushing his service games. “I was struggling to play calmly on my service games. It was in a rush,” he explained. “After I lost that set, I calmed myself and started to play better.”
The young Spaniard’s journey to this year’s final has been markedly different from his 2023 run. Last year, he arrived at Wimbledon as a grass court novice, visibly learning the surface with each match. This time, he came as the Roland-Garros champion, facing the challenge of quickly transitioning from clay to grass.
As he prepares for the final, Alcaraz maintains a grounded perspective. “I go into every match thinking that I have the chance to lose,” he said. “Every match, it’s a war. Your opponent is going to play his best tennis to beat you.”
For Alcaraz, this victory puts him one step closer to defending his Wimbledon title. At just 21 years old, he’s on the verge of joining an elite group of male players (Becker and Borg) who won multiple Wimbledon titles at such a tender age. The final on Sunday promises to be the ultimate test of his ability to retain his Wimbledon crown.
Djokovic Proves Once Again He’s The Man To Beat
In what should surprise absolutely no one (yet somehow still does), Novak Djokovic has booked his ticket to yet another Wimbledon final. The 37-year-old Serb, fresh off knee surgery, reminded everyone why doubting him is a mistake.
In his semifinal clash against Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic delivered a masterclass in tennis efficiency, winning 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4. Any concerns about his knee were quickly dispelled as he moved around the court with the grace and speed of a player a decade younger.
“I’m obviously very, very pleased and satisfied to get to another final but I don’t want to stop there,” Djokovic stated after the match, his eyes already set on the bigger prize.
For Musetti, the day was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Italian’s morning practice was all smiles and relaxed vibes. However, by match time, the weight of the occasion — his first Grand Slam semifinal on Centre Court against the most statistically successful player in history — seemed to hit him hard.
Against Djokovic’s overwhelming record, Musetti’s nerves were understandable. The Serb was chasing his sixth Grand Slam final since turning 35, his 37th overall, and his 10th at Wimbledon. Oh, and he’d only lost two Grand Slam semifinals since 2015. No pressure, Lorenzo.
As if reaching the final wasn’t enough, Djokovic casually broke another record, winning his 375th Grand Slam match. More than any player, man or woman, in tennis history. And he’s still got another match to go.
Djokovic’s reign on the grass courts of Wimbledon is far from over. Age and surgery be damned — the Serb is proving that champions, like fine wine, only get better with time.