Wimbledon 2024: Donna Vekic vs. Lulu Sun

The Match

In a thrilling encounter on No. 1 Court, Croatia’s Donna Vekic faced off against New Zealand’s Lulu Sun. Both players were vying for a spot in their first Grand Slam semifinal.

First Set: 

• Score: Lulu Sun took an early lead, winning the first set 7-5.
• Key Moments:
  • Sun’s aggressive play caught Vekic off guard initially.
  • Vekic struggled to find her rhythm, committing unforced errors.
  • Sun’s powerful groundstrokes and court positioning kept the pressure on.

Second Set: 

• Score: Donna Vekic fought back, taking the second set 6-4.
• Key Moments:
  • Vekic adjusted her game, using her experience to counter Sun’s aggression.
  • Her consistent serves and well-placed shots turned the tide.
  • Sun’s frustration grew as Vekic regained control.

Third Set: Dominance by Vekic

• Score: Vekic dominated the third set, winning 6-1.
• Key Moments:
  • Vekic’s confidence soared. She moved Sun around the court effortlessly.
  • Sun’s energy waned, and her unforced errors multiplied.
  • Vekic’s powerful forehands and net play sealed the victory.

In the end, Donna Vekic’s comeback secured her spot in the semifinals, while Lulu Sun’s dream run came to an emotional end.

Emotional Moments

• History Made: An emotional Vekic spoke after the match, making history by reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal. Her journey was filled with determination and hard-fought victories.
• Sun’s Dream Run Ends: Lulu Sun’s dream run came to an end, but her performance throughout the tournament captured hearts. The 123rd-ranked qualifier had defied the odds to reach the quarterfinals.

What’s Next? Donna Vekic vs Lulu Sun

Donna Vekic’s semifinal awaits, and tennis fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling moments as Wimbledon 2024 unfolds.

The post-match reactions

1. Donna Vekic:
   • Emotional Triumph: Vekic was visibly emotional after her victory. She spoke about the significance of reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal. Her journey had been filled with determination and hard-fought victories, and she expressed gratitude to her team and fans.
   • Maximus’s Legacy: Vekic acknowledged the legacy of Maximus (Russell Crowe), whose spirit seemed to guide her on the hallowed grass courts.
2. Lulu Sun:
   • Dream Run Ends: Sun, despite the loss, remained gracious. She thanked the fans for their support and reflected on her unexpected journey. As a qualifier ranked 123rd, reaching the quarterfinals was a remarkable achievement for her.