While the Italian football team did not live up to expectations in the Euros, their tennis players have made a mark in Wimbledon 2024. Despite World No. 1 Jannik Sinner exiting the grass court Grand Slam in the quarterfinal, there will be two Italians in the business end - Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti. Seventh-seed Jasmine Paolini progressed to the second Grand Slam final of the season, making waves in the highly competitive women's singles circuit.
On Friday, Jasmine Paolini will be rooting for her compatriot Lorenzo Musetti, who will be taking on seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the men's singles semi-final on Friday. Musetti in the last-four stage after having had an inspired run. In his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal, the 22-year-old produced one of his most gritty shows as he defeated Taylor Fritz, the 13th seed, 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6. 6-1.
While speaking to the press after storming into the women's singles final, Jasmine Paolini expressed delight with the envious depth of Italian tennis.
"Lorenzo is a really nice guy. I am so happy for him. Tomorrow, for sure, I am going to watch some tennis. He has a huge talent. I think (he is a) really good person. Hopefully, he can play a good match," Paolini said.
"I think now we are many Italians doing great things. I think we are inspiring each other. Also, I have to say in Italy there are many, many tournaments, like challengers, ITF, juniors," she added.
Paolini highlighted that Jannik Sinner's Australian Open triumph and his rise to the No. 1 spot in ATP Rankings have certainly inspired many in Italy.
"I think every player shows that something can be possible. Jannik is showing that. In Italy now it's normal to have Jannik number one, he is doing unbelievable things. It's unbelievable to have him in that position. I think it helps all the movement (coming up) behind. Now we have many, many players that are doing really, really well," she added.
Jasmine Paolini will have the opportunity to script history on Saturday when she takes on Barbora Krejcikova in the women's singles final as no Italian has won the singles crown so far in Wimbledon.
Musetti will face Djokovic for the first time on grass in Friday's semi-final. The Italian defeated Djokovic last year in Monte Carlo, but he needs to be at his best against the well-rested Serb, who progressed to the semi-final after receiving a walkover in the quarter-final.
