I’m fast because of Ghana – says 2024 Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini

2024 Wimbledon finalist, Jasmine Paolini, has attributed her swiftness on the courts to having a Ghanaian heritage.

The Ghanaian-Italian advanced to her first Wimbledon final after defeating Croatian Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(8) on Thursday in the longest women's semi-final at the All England Club.

Paolini, who had never won a match at Wimbledon before this summer, is now one win away from lifting the Rosewater Dish.

While Paolini is not a Ghanaian by nationality, she has connections to West Africa. Her father, Ugo, is Italian, and her mother, Jacqueline, is of Polish and Ghanaian descent.

Paolini's Ghanaian heritage comes from her maternal grandfather, who hails from Ghana but lives in Copenhagen.

The 28-year-old holds all parts of her heritage close to her and believes that her fast-paced trait is attributable to her Ghanaian descent.

“I am proud to have different blood in my body. Of course, I feel Italian because I was born in Italy. My mum is Polish, but my grandfather is from Ghana and I think I am fast because of Ghana,” she said at Roland Garros in June 2024.

Moreover, in an interview with BNPParibasOpen.com in May 2024, she said: “Ghanaian, maybe I feel like I’m fast on court. And I think that part of my family helped me. Maybe from Poland, I have the determination, maybe. But of course, I also have the Italian energy. It’s a mix. And I’m really proud of it.”

Paolini, who fell short in the French Open final in May, is now on the verge of making history as the first Ghanaian-Italian player, male or female, to win the Wimbledon singles title.

She will compete for this prestigious honour on Saturday, July 13 against 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova, who defeated Elena Rybakina in the second semi-final.

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

The Summer of Jasmine 🧡💚

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

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2024