Wimbledon: Paolini beats Vekic in epic to reach final (3)

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 11 - Jasmine Paolini beat Croatian Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 in an epic contest on Thursday to become the first Italian to reach the final of the Wimbledon women's singles.
    It is a second consecutive Grand Slam final for the 28-year-old late bloomer after she also made the final of the French Open.
    The Tuscan player had already made history by becoming the first Italian woman to reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon.
    She showed remarkable character to come back from a set down on Thursday, having looked outgunned at several moments during the clash, and to not despair after failing to take a match point on Vekic's serve when she was 5-4 up in the final set.
    "I really had a hard time, but I kept saying to myself, fight for every ball," Paolini said.
    "I'm really happy. I'll remember this match for ever.
    "I tired to focus on what I had to do on court.
    "There's no better place to fight for every ball.
    "It was beautiful to play in front of you.
    "This is a wonderful place for a tennis player.
    "Thank you for supporting me". (ANSA).