Jasmine Paolini reveals childhood Federer fandom after Wimbledon final defeat

Saturday, 13 July 2024 at 20:00

Jasmine Paolini revealed that she supported Roger Federer as a child when he played at Wimbledon. The Italian player lamented her defeat in the final against Barbora Krejcikova, losing 2-6, 6-2, 4-6, marking her second consecutive Grand Slam runner-up finish, just a month after the French Open.

The world No. 7 had never won matches in the main draw at Wimbledon in her previous three appearances, although this year there were higher expectations considering her impressive 2024 season, which included a WTA 1000 title and the Roland Garros final.

Despite falling in another final, Paolini remained positive during the award ceremony on Centre Court. The Italian spoke proudly about reaching the final and recalled supporting the 8-time champion Roger Federer as a child.

When asked if she plans to return to Wimbledon next year, Paolini responded: “I hope so. Today I am a little bit sad but I keep smiling. I was looking at the TV as a kid, cheering for Federer, I have to say,” Paolini commented. “To be here right now, it is crazy. I enjoy every moment and I want to thank everybody who makes this tournament possible.”

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“Thank you for coming; to see this stadium full is a dream come true - to play on this stage. I would say congrats to Barbora. You play such beautiful tennis and congrats to your team, of course,” Paolini added. “The last two months have been really crazy for me. I want to thank my team and family and everybody up there. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. The crowd has been amazing these two weeks, I’ve received a lot of support. Just incredible to feel a lot from them.”

After Paolini shared her thoughts, the champion Barbora Krejcikova praised her opponent: "I would like to congratulate Jasmine and her team," said the Czech former world No. 2. “I mean, at the end, I was the lucky one, but on the other hand, she played the Roland Garros final a few weeks ago. It’s amazing what she was able to achieve in such a short period, so big congratulations."

Paolini lost her second Grand Slam final.

Krejcikova secured her second Grand Slam title, joining the ranks of players who have won titles at both the French Open and Wimbledon. Alongside Simona Halep, she is one of the two active players to achieve this. Other players who achieved titles in Wimbledon and Roland Garros include Garbine Muguruza, Serena Williams, and Maria Sharapova.

"It’s unreal what just happened. It’s definitely the best day of my tennis career and also the best day of my life," commented Krejcikova, who will appear as the new world No. 10 on Monday. “I think nobody really believed I got to the final, and no one is going to believe that I won Wimbledon.”

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Paolini après sa finale 🎙️ 🇮🇹 "Je suis un peu triste, j'essaie de garder le sourire. Ça reste une bonne journée. J'ai disputé la finale de #Wimbledon ! Lorsque j'étais enfant, je regardais la finale à la télévision, j'étais pour Federer" 🤣