I am fast because of Ghana, says Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini

2024 Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini has expressed pride in her Ghanaian heritage, attributing her swiftness on the court to her West African lineage.

The 28-year-old seventh-seeded Italian-born tennis star triumphed over Croatian star Donna Vekic in a nerve-wracking semi-final on Thursday.

Absolutely fantastic!!! I'm so happy with this win. I will remember this match forever! It was a roller coaster. Thank you for cheering for me!! @Wimbledon : ITF pic.twitter.com/bDLG59MMA3

— Jasmine Paolini (@JasminePaolini) July 11, 2024

Paolini has made history as the first Italian to reach a Wimbledon women’s singles final, following her thrilling victory over Vekic. This marks her second consecutive Grand Slam final appearance, having lost in the French Open final in May.

The Summer of Jasmine

Jasmine Paolini has reached back-to-back Grand Slam finals #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/LLJURt5RIh

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2024

In a match that will be remembered as one of the best of the tournament, Paolini defeated Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) in a grueling two-hour and 51-minute battle, the longest women’s singles semi-final in Wimbledon history.

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Reflecting on her heritage, Paolini said, “I am proud to have different bloods in my body. Of course, I feel Italian, I was born in Italy. I am Italian. I think the important part of my life; My mum. She is Polish but my grandfather is from Ghana. I am fast because of Ghana [giggles]. Also when I was younger like 10 years, every summer I was going to Poland. I can speak Polish. And then I think it is something more. It’s a plus.”

“I’m fast because of Ghana”#Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini talks about her links to Ghana. Her grandfather is Ghanaian#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/IIuCaNreRt

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) July 12, 2024

Jasmine Paolini focused on final 

Paolini, who traces her Ghanaian roots through her grandfather, will hope to win her first Grand Slam title against Czech 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova in Saturday’s final. She was denied a Grand Slam title at the French Open when she fell to Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-1 in a straight-sets final.

Being the first woman to make it to the finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon consecutively, since Serena Williams in 2016, Paolini’s unique heritage and determination have become a point of pride and inspiration.

As she prepares for the Wimbledon final, her journey underscores the rich tapestry of her multicultural background.

The post I am fast because of Ghana, says Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini first appeared on 3News.

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