Wimbledon 2024 LIVE: Tennis scores as Daniil Medvedev sets Carlos Alcaraz rematch

This was just one of the many incredible rallies during the Alcaraz v Paul match earlier

Centre Court was still reeling from the defeat suffered by Italy’s poster boy and world number one Jannik Sinner, at the hands of Daniil Medvedev, when Paolini entered the fray.

The 28-year-old seventh seed duly dispatched American Navarro 6-2 6-1 to become the first Italian woman to make the last four in SW19.

“It’s amazing to get the win on this special court and I’m so happy to be in the semi-final,” she said. “It’s so special, a dream to be here in this position. I was watching finals on this court when I was a kid, it’s strange to be here.”

Before this year Paolini had never won a match on grass, or gone beyond the second round of a major tournament. But she was a surprise runner-up at the French Open last month and has proved that run was no flash in the pan by standing on the brink of a second final in a matter of weeks.

In the women’s quarter-finals, an emotional Donna Vekic ended the fairytale Wimbledon run of qualifier Lulu Sun to reach her first grand slam semi-final.

SW19 sensation Sun won the first set and looked on course to become only the second woman to come through qualifying and reach the last four. But Vekic, the 28-year-old from Croatia, took a tight second set and then ran away with the third for a 5-7 6-4 6-1 victory.

Sun had lit up the All England Club with her fearless tennis, even though she knocked out home favourite Emma Raducanu in the previous round, but Vekic is a remarkable story in her own right as she reached her first grand slam semi-final at the 43rd attempt.

“It was a really tough match, she played unbelievable, I feel like she really pushed me to my limits,” said a tearful Vekic. “I felt like I was dying out there in the first two sets but I just kept going, hoping to have a chance and it came in the end. I have a full box of people there and I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Carlos Alcaraz has reflected on his semi-final against Daniil Medvedev, a rematch of last year

The world No 1 was clearly under the weather from the start and, with the match at one set apiece, left the court at the start of the third set for more than 10 minutes.

A doctor checked his pulse and blood pressure and thought the Italian returned and continued to battle – forcing a deciding fifth set – Medvedev prevailed after four hours of action.

Speaking in his press conference afterwards, the 22-year-old revealed how he was feeling out on court.

CENTRE COURT – SHOW COURT – 13:30 START

Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [4] vs Elina Svitolina (UKR) [21]

Alex de Minaur (AUS) [9] vs Novak Djokovic (SRB) [2]

No.1 COURT – SHOW COURT – 13:00 START

Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) [13] vs Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [31]

Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) [25] vs Taylor Fritz (USA) [13]

It was a hugely impressive performance from Carlos Alcaraz to reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon again

Jasmine Paolini is an incredible story. Before this year’s French Open, hadn’t gone further than the second round of a grand slam – but she reached the final. Before this year’s Wimbledon, she’d never won a match on grass – but is now into the semi-finals. The clay to grass transition is the hardest to make, but she is flying.

At 28, she’s having the best season of her career.

Jasmine Paolini 6-2 6-1 Emma Navarro

Wow! Incredible from Paolini to destroy Navarro and reach her first Wimbledon semi-final! She becames the first Italian woman to reach a Wimbledon semi-final, after a ruthless thrashing of the American who had looked so impressive against Coco Gauff two days ago. She heads off Centre Court very quickly.

But how about that from Paolini. After reaching the French Open final last month, the 28-year-old is breaking new ground again on grass. She will face Donna Vekic on Thursday for a place in the final. Vekic will also be playing in the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time.

Carlos Alcaraz speaking after his 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-2 win over Tommy Paul

“He’s had a great season on grass, he’s the Queen’s champion and was playing well here. Today was difficult match for me. The first set and start of the second was like playing on clay, long rallies, 10-15 shots. When I lost the first set it was difficult for me but I knew it was a long journey. I’m glad I found the solutions.

I always believe I can come back. If I’m struggling I believe I can find solutions. At grand slams, I have more time to recover. I believe in myself all the time.”

On facing Daniil Medvedev again in the semi-finals

“Well he’s a great player. Same semi-final as last year. Hopefully I get the same result. He just won against Jannik Sinner, the best player right now, so he is in good shape. It’s going to be a difficult one but I’m going to enjoy”.

On Spain vs France tonight…

“I’ve got enough nerves today in the match, more tonight. It’s another big match. I’m going to enjoy for sure!”