During a thrilling Wimbledon semifinal loss against Jasmine Paolini, Vekic was seen sobbing.
Donna Vekic claims that she cried during the third set because she was in “so much pain” and thought she was “going to die” rather than because she was emotional or anything.
After nearly three hours of intense play on Thursday, world No. 7 Jasmine Paolini defeated 28-year-old Croatian Vekic 2-6 6-4 7-6 (8), likely the most sad and humiliating loss of Vekic’s career.
Even though Vekic was able to compete fiercely in the third set and almost win the match, it was clear that she was having trouble because the Croatian was repeatedly seen crying after points. It should be mentioned that the 37th-ranked Croatian iced her forearm in the second set.
Furthermore, Vekic acknowledged following the game that she was experiencing pain and discomfort in both her leg and forearm.
“It can be beneficial sometimes (expressing emotion in court). Vekic disclosed, “I was crying more because I was in so much agony that I didn’t know how I could keep playing than because I was…
“In the third set, I thought I was going to die.” I was in excruciating pain in both my arm and leg. Although it wasn’t easy, I will become better.
Vekic: Hard to be upbeat…
Not only was Vekic, who turned 28 a few days before Wimbledon began, competing in her first Grand Slam semifinal, but she was also on the verge of reaching her first Major final at The Championships. However, in the end, Paolini, 28, was able to do a little bit better and qualify for her second Slam final.
Vekic was obviously heartbroken and devastated after the match, as seen by her candid admission that it was difficult for her to remain optimistic.
“It was an extremely difficult game. Up until the very end, I thought I could prevail. She was an incredible tennis player. Congrats to her all. She most certainly deserved it, Vekic remarked.
I can be proud of who I am, my team says. It’s hard at the moment. It’s quite difficult. It will definitely take me a few days to see everything. It’s hard to remain optimistic right now, I guess. It was really near. I had numerous opportunities.
Donna Vekic after her loss to Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon Semifinals
Donna: “It was a tough, tough match. I believed i could win til the end. She played some amazing tennis. Congrats to her. She definitely deserves it.”
“What feeling do you have about what you did today?”… pic.twitter.com/eQSu2mgGsv
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 11, 2024