Sports News of Friday, 12 July 2024
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Jasmine Paolini has emerged as the breakout star of the 2024 Wimbledon, following a phenomenal run in the Women's singles.
She made history on Thursday, July 12, 2024, by defeating Donna Vekic to become the first Italian, and by extension Ghanaian, to reach a Wimbledon Women's singles final.
Jasmine achieved this historic feat in an exciting semi-final clash that ended 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) in her favour.
This marks her second Grand Slam final in 2024, having previously lost at Roland Garros to Poland's Iga Swiatek in June.
Paolini is determined to make up for her defeat in France by aiming to win her first Grand Slam on Saturday, July 13, 2024, when she faces 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova in the final.
What is Jasmine's Ghanaian ancestry?
28-year-old Jasmine was born in Italy to an Italian father and a Polish mother, Jacqueline.
Her Ghanaian heritage is linked to her mother, who is of both Polish and Ghanaian descent, born in Lodz.
Jasmine has pledged her allegiance to Italy and represents the country in international tournaments. She participated in the Women's doubles at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
She is set to compete in the same event for Italy at the 2024 Olympics in Paris alongside Sara Errani.
EE/MA