Most of all, though, it was Paolini’s competitive temperament that made the difference. While Vekic brooded, Paolini remained sunny and positive. “I’m trying, as I said, to live the present and to enjoy what I’m doing and don’t forget where I am,” she said. “I think it’s a really privileged position, and I have to keep that in focus, you know?”
Paolini won the second set 6-4, and remained optimistic even when she went down 3-1 in third, failed to convert on two match points, and faced a 3-1 deficit in the concluding tiebreaker. All match long, Paolini evoked Halep’s plucky aspects: the tenacious, first-rate mover who can strike big when the situation calls for it. “I think I can hit the ball really, really strong,” said Paolini. “But also moving for me, it’s important. I have to repeat it. I can defend, as well.”
Played on one of the rare all-sunny days of this year’s Wimbledon, this first semi thoroughly enthralled the crowd. Centre Court is devoid of video screens that replay points, excessive sponsor logos, music on changeovers, or corporate suites. There is nothing to pay attention to other than the tennis. That mix of austerity and tradition is also present when the players walk on to the court and are greeted by the crowd, the competitors at once gladiators and performers. Once upon a time, the circle closed when they left the court together amid mutual applause for the sporting endeavor the two artists-warriors had composed and completed. Though that’s understandably given way to post-match interviews with the winner, as Vekic gathered her belongings in sheer solitude following an extremely agonizing defeat, I found myself wishing that shared exit remained a part of Wimbledon. “I thought I was going to die in the third set,” said Vekic. “I had so much pain in my arm, in my leg. It was not easy out there, but I will recover.”
