It’s women’s singles semi-finals day at Wimbledon as 2022 champion Elena Rybakina headlines the four players competing to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish on Saturday afternoon.
Rybakina is the overwhelming favourite against the remaining contenders who have far less grass-court pedigree than the Kazakh. She took barely an hour to sweep aside Elina Svitolina in Wednesday’s quarter-final and now faces former French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova as she returns to Centre Court.
This is the first time Krejcikova has gone beyond the quarter-final stage of any grand slam since her 2021 Roland Garros triumph and the 28-year-old Czech had never previously gone beyond the fourth round at the All England Club.
That’s still a comparatively starry Wimbledon resume compared to Jasmine Paolini, who had never even won a match on grass until this summer as she builds on her shock run to the French Open final. Paolini is also the first Italian woman to reach the singles semi-finals in SW19 and faces Donna Vekic, who reached her maiden grand slam semi-final at the 43rd time of asking when she ended qualifier Lulu Sun’s dream run in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Follow all the latest scores and match updates from Wimbledon below:
Wimbledon day 11 – latest scores and updates
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Wimbledon 2024 has reached women’s semi-finals day
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French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini faces maiden grand slam semi-finalist Donna Vekic in first semi-final
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SET! Vekic takes the first frame comfortably to put one foot in Saturday’s final
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Heavy favourite Elena Rybakina faces 2021 French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova in second semi-final
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LUKE BAKER: The high-risk style that makes reluctant Wimbledon favourite Elena Rybakina unbeatable
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Novak Djokovic handed walkover to semi-finals afer Alex de Minaur withdraws injured
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KIERAN JACKSON: Meet Lorenzo Musetti, the humble Italian eyeing Wimbledon final after beating Taylor Fritz
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic* 6-2 3-4 Jasmine Paolini
14:53 , Alex Pattle
Paolini slashes a backhand into the net. 0-15.
The Italian levels the game at 15-15 then frames a smash! Oh, no… 15-30.
Again Paolini replies for 30-30, then she earns game point as Vekic strikes long. 40-30.
But a Vekic backhand is too powerful for the seventh seed! She can barely get anything on the ball. Deuce.
Another game point for Paolini, however, as Vekic overshoots a ground shot.
And Paolini completes the hold! She’s still making hard work of it – and at times, Vekic is making her work hard for it. But she stays on par in this second set.
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic 6-2 3-3 Jasmine Paolini*
14:48 , Alex Pattle
Remarkable defence from Paolini at times, but she can’t stop Vekic from scoring with a couple of forehand winners and an ace. Vekic holds to love.
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic* 6-2 2-3 Jasmine Paolini
14:45 , Alex Pattle
Paolini’s running is keeping this interesting. She gets to a drop shot, and her lob is good enough to force Vekic to err – as the Croat puts her own lob long. 15-0.
Paolini misses now, however, for 15-15. A fist pump from Paolini as Vekic hits into the net.
We move to 30-30, where Paolini can’t get her feet right, as she hooks a backhand into the net.
Break point to Vekic… saved! The Croat goes big on a forehand but slings it wide.
Another break point now, as Paolini goes needlessly long on a backhand into space!
Saved again! Vekic stretches for a forehand return and propels it long. Deuce.
Game point to Paolini, as Vekic attacks a serve but puts her forehand narrowly wide.
Now the Croat nets! Paolini holds. This set has been dramatic so far.
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic 6-2 2-2 Jasmine Paolini*
14:38 , Alex Pattle
The pair go back and forth for 30-30, before Vekic moves ahead. 40-30.
Wow! Paolini with some brilliant running and a great forehand volley, on the stretch, to make it deuce!
Wow again, but for a very different reason! Vekic double-faults to give Paolini break point…
But the Croat saves it with a big serve, and another impressive service gives her game point!
Paolini restores deuce, though, with some more fine running and a clinical backhand winner at the net!
Advantage Vekic again, as Paolini fails to clear the net on a return.
Then a Paolini return floats high and wide! Vekic holds, a chance gone begging for Paolini…
*denotes next server
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: *Donna Vekic 6-2 1-2 Jasmine Paolini
14:30 , Kieran Jackson
Paolini saves a break point and holds!
At 15-15, the Croat smashes a forehand winner down the line before hitting a backhand into the net.
But at 30-30, Paolini inexcusably double-faults. The Italian takes a moment to pause behind the baseline and Vekic, in control of the rally that ensues, hits a forehand just long.
Vekic smashes another backhand winner down the line to bring the game back to deuce, but Paolini seals the hold with a deft volley winner and ace down the T!
Paolini just staying in it on the scoreboard!
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic 6-2 1-1 Jasmine Paolini*
14:23 , Alex Pattle
15-15, as Vekic takes the first point on her serve, before Paolini angles a backhand volley for a winner.
Now 15-30 to Paolini, a look at a break… But she slices a backhand long. 30-30.
Another overhit from Paolini, this time on a topspin forehand. 40-30.
Vekic completes the hold!
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic* 6-2 0-1 Jasmine Paolini
14:19 , Alex Pattle
No luck for Paolini right now. She clips the tape with a backhand, and it drops on the wrong side of the net – as far as she’s concerned. 0-15.
She restores parity at 15-15, though, as Vekic frames a backhand return well out of court.
Strong hitting and running from Paolini now, as she tries to apply pressure at first, before having to battle to stay in the rally… but she eventually hooks a backhand wide. 15-30.
Paolini looks so frustrated with herself.
But she offers a fist pump after making it 30-30! Vekic applauds as the Italian hits a forehand winner in the corner.
Another pump of the fist! Game point to Paolini. And she holds! The crowd appreciates that.
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic 6-2 Jasmine Paolini*
14:14 , Alex Pattle
Another hold to love for Vekic, and she takes the first set!
She’s one away from her first grand slam final…
*denotes next server
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic* 5-2 Jasmine Paolini
14:11 , Alex Pattle
Things go from bad to worse for Paolini. She’s facing triple break point…
But she saves the first, as Vekic drags a backhand return well wide. 40-15.
Another saved! Vekic crouches for a forehand but can’t lift it over the net. 40-30.
But there is the double break, as Paolini reaches a drop shot but gets too ambitious at the worst time, hitting wide in the process.
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic 4-2 Jasmine Paolini*
14:08 , Alex Pattle
Paolini laughs after she makes an awful challenge on Vekic’s serve – one of the worst I’ve ever seen. That was miles inside the service box!
15-15, and Paolini tries to match Vekic’s power but pushes a backhand just long. She’s visibly frustrated at herself. 30-15.
Again Paolini goes long on a backhand. 40-15.
A rare error by Vekic, and it’s 40-30.
But the Croat holds as Paolini flings a forehand well long. The Italian needs to arrest this slide.
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic* 3-2 Jasmine Paolini
14:02 , Alex Pattle
Break! Paolini falls to 30-40, then hits a forehand high into the net!
It felt like that had been coming, in truth.
Vekic moves ahead in this first set…
*denotes next server
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic 2-2 Jasmine Paolini*
13:58 , Alex Pattle
Big hitting on display from Vekic as she gives Paolini the runaround and holds to love.
So far the Croat has been able to win points in quicker fashion, and hold in smoother fashion; Paolini is having to work harder at this point.
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic* 1-2 Jasmine Paolini
13:53 , Alex Pattle
Again Paolini is forced to stretch for a backhand volley, which she sends wide like her last one. 0-15.
Brilliant forehand winner by the Italian now, though! She whips it crosscourt with a ton of pace, keeping it low and accurate. 15-15.
30-15, but then Paolini flicks a forehand long. 30-30.
Vekic with another drop shot, but this time she can’t beat the tape. 40-30.
And Paolini holds as Vekic hits long.
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic 1-1 Jasmine Paolini*
13:50 , Alex Pattle
Paolini gets out in front at 0-15, but Vekic slings a backhand winner up the line! 15-15.
Vekic moves ahead to 40-15, setting up two game points as she lures Paolini to the net with a drop shot and beats her with a pass – Paolini only able to send her volley wide.
Ace! There’s the hold. Much more comfortable than Paolini’s.
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic* 0-1 Jasmine Paolini
13:46 , Alex Pattle
Paolini to serve first. She moves to 30-0 as Vekic puts a forehand long, but the Croat narrows the gap with some powerful hitting – and a winner in the corner. 30-15.
Now Paolini clips the back of the baseline with her own forehand. 40-15.
40-30, as Vekic puts in some great running and just does enough to force Paolini into a miss on the volley.
Deuce! Paolini hooks a forehand into the net.
The Italian gets back in front after a brief ralley, but again she strikes into the net – this time on a backhand. Deuce again.
A forehand winner into the corner brings up another game point for Paolini, but she errs twice to hand Vekic an early break point!
Saved! Paolin then gains another game point with a smash at the net. And finally she holds!
*denotes next server
Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Donna Vekic vs Jasmine Paolini
13:33 , Alex Pattle
The first women’s semi-final is just moments away!
Donna Vekic and Jasmine Paolini are warming up on Centre Court as we speak.
Italy’s Paolini is the seventh seed, while Croatia’s Vekic is unseeded.
Paolini beat Emma Navaro comfortably in the quarter-finals, while Vekic overcame Lulu Sun in three sets.
CENTRE COURT – 13:30 START
13:15 , Kieran Jackson
Donna Vekic (CRO) vs Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [7]
Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [31] vs Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [4]
Kim Clijsters (BEL) / Martina Hingis (SUI) vs Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) / Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
WATCH: Queen shares behind-the-scenes video of royal trip to Wimbledon
13:02 , Kieran Jackson
Meet Lorenzo Musetti, the humble Italian eyeing Wimbledon final after beating Taylor Fritz
12:51 , Kieran Jackson
Prior to his first Grand Slam quarter-final against Taylor Fritz on Wednesday at Wimbledon, Lorenzo Musetti was asked about the important topics at hand: his tattoos. The 22-year-old has three. The first is a heart with a tennis racket in the middle, the second is a ship’s anchor with “family” written on it and the third is a phrase shared with his coach: “Il meglio deve ancora venire.”
It translates: “The best is yet to come.”
Full piece below:
Meet Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian eyeing Wimbledon final after beating Taylor Fritz
12:35 , Kieran Jackson
CENTRE COURT – 13:30 START
Donna Vekic (CRO) vs Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [7]
Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [31] vs Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [4]
Kim Clijsters (BEL) / Martina Hingis (SUI) vs Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) / Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Barbora Krejcikova tames Jelena Ostapenko to reach semi-finals
12:12 , Kieran Jackson
Latvian livewire Jelena Ostapenko blew herself out as Barbora Krejcikova reached her first Wimbledon semi-final.
Ostapenko had blitzed her way through the women’s draw, dropping only 15 games in four matches with a ferocious flurry of winners.
But when the unforced errors started to creep well above the winner count on Court One, Krejcikova was able to take advantage.
A blink-and-you-miss-it quarter-final encounter did not feature a rally of more than eight shots, but Krejcikova made hers count in a 6-4 7-6 (4) victory to set up a last-four showdown with 2022 winner Elena Rybakina.
Barbora Krejcikova tames Jelena Ostapenko to reach semi-finals
Donna Vekic eclipses Lulu Sun to reach first Wimbledon semi-final
11:58 , Kieran Jackson
Donna Vekic ended the fairy tale Wimbledon run of qualifier Lulu Sun to reach her first grand slam semi-final on Thursday.
SW19 sensation Sun won the first set and looked on course to become only the second woman to come through qualifying and reach the last four.
But Vekic, the 28-year-old from Croatia, took a tight second set and then ran away with the third for a 5-7 6-4 6-1 victory.
“It was a really tough match, she played unbelievable, I feel like she really pushed me to my limits,” said an emotional Vekic.
“I felt like I was dying out there in the first two sets but I just kept going, hoping to have a chance and it came in the end.
“I have a full box of people there and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
John McEnroe backs Novak Djokovic in spat with Wimbledon fans
11:43 , Kieran Jackson
John McEnroe believes Novak Djokovic had every right to take a swipe at the Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon.
Djokovic claimed some spectators disrespected him during his straight-sets win over Holger Rune on Monday night by repeatedly chanting the young Dane’s surname.
During a heated on-court interview, the seven-time champion said: “Well, to all the fans that had respect and stayed here tonight thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it.
“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a gooooood night. Gooood night, gooood night. Very good night.”
Three-time champion McEnroe, who had his fair share of run-ins with crowds during his colourful career, revealed he would have told Djokovic “well done” for calling out the spectators.
John McEnroe backs Novak Djokovic in spat with Wimbledon fans
WATCH: Novak Djokovic blasts ‘disrespectful’ Wimbledon crowd after Holger Rune victory
11:29 , Kieran Jackson
Novak Djokovic accused the Wimbledon Centre Court crowd of “disrespect” following his third-round win against Holger Rune.
Alex de Minaur withdraws from Wimbledon prior to quarter-final against Novak Djokovic
11:12 , Kieran Jackson
Alex de Minaur says he is “devastated” after pulling out of Wimbledon prior to his quarter-final against Novak Djokovic on Wednesday due to a hip injury.
The Australian No 1 and world No 9, enjoying the best season of his career, sustained a torn cartilage to the hip in the final game against Arthur Fils in his fourth-round match on Monday.
De Minaur’s expression immediately changed as he claimed victory and despite playing down the injury in his press conference afterwards, the 25-year-old’s withdrawal was confirmed on Wednesday lunchtime, when he admitted to feeling a “loud crack” in the last three points of Monday’s match.
Alex de Minaur withdraws from Wimbledon quarter-final against Novak Djokovic
The high-risk style that makes reluctant Wimbledon favourite Elena Rybakina unbeatable
11:02 , Kieran Jackson
The Elena Rybakina experience rarely lasts long. Which is not to say you don’t get value for money when watching the Kazakh star – quite the opposite. She’s a whirling dervish of entertainment.
It’s just that, especially on grass, she has no interest in engaging in long rallies, preferring a “no guts, no glory”, “blink-and-you’ll-miss-her” approach to most points which means the winner and unforced error counts both ratchet up pretty quickly. When she’s more hit than miss – as she was en route to the Wimbledon title in 2022 and appears to be again this year – it’s tough to work out how to stop her.
Elina Svitolina tried in this quarter-final, she really did, but her opponent’s point-ending flashes of racquet were generally finding the lines rather than the grass beyond. Combined with a ferocious serve that pumped down six aces to reach a tournament-high total of 31 and saw her win 84 per cent of points on first serve, the result was a ruthless 6-3, 6-2 win in just 61 minutes.
Read Luke Baker’s full report from Centre Court:
The high-risk style that makes Wimbledon favourite Elena Rybakina unbeatable
Jasmine Paolini makes history for Italy with dominant quarter-final victory
10:46 , Kieran Jackson
Jasmine Paolini kept the Italian flag flying at Wimbledon by thrashing Emma Navarro to reach the semi-finals.
Centre Court was still reeling from the defeat suffered by Italy’s poster boy and world number one Jannik Sinner, at the hands of Daniil Medvedev, when Paolini entered the fray.
The 28-year-old seventh seed duly dispatched American Navarro 6-2 6-1 to become the first Italian woman to make the last four in SW19.
“It’s amazing to get the win on this special court and I’m so happy to be in the semi-final,” she said.
“It’s so special, a dream to be here in this position. I was watching finals on this court when I was a kid, it’s strange to be here.”
Queen shares behind-the-scenes video of royal trip to Wimbledon
10:30 , Kieran Jackson
Marcus Willis reaches mixed doubles quarter-finals on Wimbledon return
10:13 , Kieran Jackson
Marcus Willis is on a charge again at Wimbledon eight years after facing Roger Federer on Centre Court.
The 33-year-old briefly became the biggest story of the Championships when he qualified for the main draw in 2016 and won his first-round match to set up the date with Federer.
A stunning lob was the highlight of a straight-sets defeat and Willis soon slipped off the radar and into retirement, but two years ago he returned to the sport in doubles and is back at the All England Club for the first time since 2017.
Marcus Willis reaches mixed doubles quarter-finals on Wimbledon return
TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY:
09:59 , Kieran Jackson
CENTRE COURT – 13:30 START
Donna Vekic (CRO) vs Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [7]
Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [31] vs Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [4]
Kim Clijsters (BEL) / Martina Hingis (SUI) vs Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) / Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Meet Lorenzo Musetti, the humble Italian eyeing Wimbledon final after beating Taylor Fritz
09:52 , Kieran Jackson
Prior to his first Grand Slam quarter-final against Taylor Fritz on Wednesday at Wimbledon, Lorenzo Musetti was asked about the important topics at hand: his tattoos. The 22-year-old has three. The first is a heart with a tennis racket in the middle, the second is a ship’s anchor with “family” written on it and the third is a phrase shared with his coach: “Il meglio deve ancora venire.”
It translates: “The best is yet to come.”
Full piece below:
Meet Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian eyeing Wimbledon final after beating Taylor Fritz
WATCH: Barbora Krejcikova reflects on facing Elena Rybakina
09:00 , Luke Baker
Here’s how Barbora Krejcikova reacted to the news she would be facing Elena Rybakina in the last four today!
John McEnroe backs Novak Djokovic in spat with Wimbledon fans
08:45 , Luke Baker
John McEnroe believes Novak Djokovic had every right to take a swipe at the Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon.
Djokovic claimed some spectators disrespected him during his straight-sets win over Holger Rune on Monday night by repeatedly chanting the young Dane’s surname.
During a heated on-court interview, the seven-time champion said: “Well, to all the fans that had respect and stayed here tonight thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it.
“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a gooooood night. Gooood night, gooood night. Very good night.”
Three-time champion McEnroe, who had his fair share of run-ins with crowds during his colourful career, revealed he would have told Djokovic “well done” for calling out the spectators.
John McEnroe backs Novak Djokovic in spat with Wimbledon fans
WATCH: Novak Djokovic blasts ‘disrespectful’ Wimbledon crowd after Holger Rune victory
08:15 , Luke Baker
Novak Djokovic accused the Wimbledon Centre Court crowd of “disrespect” following his third-round win against Holger Rune.
Alex de Minaur withdraws from Wimbledon prior to quarter-final against Novak Djokovic
08:00 , Luke Baker
Alex de Minaur says he is “devastated” after pulling out of Wimbledon prior to his quarter-final against Novak Djokovic on Wednesday due to a hip injury.
The Australian No 1 and world No 9, enjoying the best season of his career, sustained a torn cartilage to the hip in the final game against Arthur Fils in his fourth-round match on Monday.
De Minaur’s expression immediately changed as he claimed victory and despite playing down the injury in his press conference afterwards, the 25-year-old’s withdrawal was confirmed on Wednesday lunchtime, when he admitted to feeling a “loud crack” in the last three points of Monday’s match.
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic therefore receives a walkover to Friday’s semi-finals.
Alex de Minaur withdraws from Wimbledon quarter-final against Novak Djokovic
Who is playing at Wimbledon today? Full order of play and schedule
07:55 , Luke Baker
Here’s how the two main courts look at Wimbledon today
CENTRE COURT – 13:30 START
Donna Vekic (CRO) vs Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [7]
Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [31] vs Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [4]
Kim Clijsters (BEL) / Martina Hingis (SUI) vs Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) / Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
No.1 COURT – SHOW COURT – 13:00 START
Marcel Granollers (ESP) / Horacio Zeballos (ARG) [1] vs Max Purcell (AUS) / Jordan Thompson (AUS) [15]
Harri Heliovaara (FIN) / Henry Patten (GBR) vs Neal Skupski (GBR) / Michael Venus (NZL) [9]
Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) / Giuliana Olmos (MEX) vs Marcus Willis (GBR) / Alicia Barnett (GBR)
Alfie Hewett (GBR) / Gordon Reid (GBR) [1] vs Martin De la Puente (ESP) / Joachim Gerard (BEL)
Full order of play here:
Wimbledon order of play and Thursday’s schedule
Queen Camilla enjoys surprise ‘escape’ to Wimbledon
07:45 , Luke Baker
The Queen has made a surprise visit to Wimbledon, saying it was “so nice to be able to escape for a day”.
Camilla headed to south-west London to enjoy watching play on the 10th day of the tennis championships.
She was dressed for her day out at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in a cream linen dress featuring large giraffe motifs by Anna Valentine, with a Jack Russell brooch from Van Cleef and Arpels.
Camilla told former player Laura Robson, who works in international player relations at Wimbledon, it was “so nice to be able to escape for a day”.
Queen Camilla enjoys surprise ‘escape’ to Wimbledon
Donna Vekic eclipses Lulu Sun to reach first Wimbledon semi-final
07:30 , Luke Baker
Donna Vekic ended the fairy tale Wimbledon run of qualifier Lulu Sun to reach her first grand slam semi-final.
SW19 sensation Sun won the first set and looked on course to become only the second woman to come through qualifying and reach the last four.
But Vekic, the 28-year-old from Croatia, took a tight second set and then ran away with the third for a 5-7 6-4 6-1 victory.
“It was a really tough match, she played unbelievable, I feel like she really pushed me to my limits,” said an emotional Vekic.
“I felt like I was dying out there in the first two sets but I just kept going, hoping to have a chance and it came in the end.
“I have a full box of people there and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Jasmine Paolini makes history for Italy with dominant quarter-final victory
07:15 , Luke Baker
Jasmine Paolini kept the Italian flag flying at Wimbledon by thrashing Emma Navarro to reach the semi-finals.
Centre Court was still reeling from the defeat suffered by Italy’s poster boy and world number one Jannik Sinner, at the hands of Daniil Medvedev, when Paolini entered the fray.
The 28-year-old seventh seed duly dispatched American Navarro 6-2 6-1 to become the first Italian woman to make the last four in SW19.
“It’s amazing to get the win on this special court and I’m so happy to be in the semi-final,” she said.
“It’s so special, a dream to be here in this position. I was watching finals on this court when I was a kid, it’s strange to be here.”
Barbora Krejcikova tames Jelena Ostapenko to reach semi-finals
07:00 , Luke Baker
Latvian livewire Jelena Ostapenko blew herself out as Barbora Krejcikova reached her first Wimbledon semi-final.
Ostapenko had blitzed her way through the women’s draw, dropping only 15 games in four matches with a ferocious flurry of winners.
But when the unforced errors started to creep well above the winner count on Court One, Krejcikova was able to take advantage.
A blink-and-you-miss-it quarter-final encounter did not feature a rally of more than eight shots, but Krejcikova made hers count in a 6-4 7-6 (4) victory to set up a last-four showdown with 2022 winner Elena Rybakina.
Barbora Krejcikova tames Jelena Ostapenko to reach semi-finals
The high-risk style that makes reluctant Wimbledon favourite Elena Rybakina unbeatable
06:45 , Luke Baker
The Elena Rybakina experience rarely lasts long. Which is not to say you don’t get value for money when watching the Kazakh star – quite the opposite. She’s a whirling dervish of entertainment.
It’s just that, especially on grass, she has no interest in engaging in long rallies, preferring a “no guts, no glory”, “blink-and-you’ll-miss-her” approach to most points which means the winner and unforced error counts both ratchet up pretty quickly. When she’s more hit than miss – as she was en route to the Wimbledon title in 2022 and appears to be again this year – it’s tough to work out how to stop her.
Elina Svitolina tried in this quarter-final, she really did, but her opponent’s point-ending flashes of racquet were generally finding the lines rather than the grass beyond. Combined with a ferocious serve that pumped down six aces to reach a tournament-high total of 31 and saw her win 84 per cent of points on first serve, the result was a ruthless 6-3, 6-2 win in just 61 minutes.
Read Luke Baker’s full report from Centre Court:
The high-risk style that makes Wimbledon favourite Elena Rybakina unbeatable
Wimbledon 2024 – day 11
06:30 , Luke Baker
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Wimbledon 2024. We’ve reached day 11 and it’s women’s semi-finals day at SW19. Elena Rybakina is the heavy favourite but there are three women trying to stop her lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish for the second time.
Stick with us for full live coverage
