Jasmine Paolini vs Barbora Krejcikova: Score and latest Wimbledon women’s final updates

I’m not sure when 5ft 4in Jasmine Paolini transformed herself into 6ft 11in Ivo Karlovic, but that was her second love hold in three attempts in this set. Krejcikova is making absolutely no impression on the weak Paolini second serve. But it’s still nip and tuck out here.

Careless by Krejcikova to put a forehand into the tramlines at 40-0. A forehand return long by Krejcikov and Paolini secures another hold.

Much more like the Krejcikova of the first set in this game as she holds to love. She is starting to get joy again targeting Paolini’s forehand side.

Krejcikova isn’t one who shows too much emotion on court but you wonder what she’s thinking right now. After her aggressive start she’s taken her foot off the gas. Is she feeling the heat from the crowd?

The umpire has already had to intervene once after extended cheers from around Centre for Paolini, who did brilliantly well to put pressure on the Czech’s serve in that second set. This year’s French Open finalist isn’t going down without a fight.

Another game on the board for Paolini after a backhand error by Krejcikova. How long can she keep this level up?

Important game for Krejcikova to hold and settle things down after Paolini’s run of games. She managed to find her first serve again which helps her tennis massively.

Krejcikova takes a leaf out of Paolini’s playbook and leaves after the second set. When she returns, Paolini holds comfortably to love.

The Italian has the momentum and the confidence is flowing.

Serve stats tell a story about that set. Krejcikova dropped from 90 per cent first serves in to 63, and her second serve was taking a pummelling, winning only one point in three. Fans are buzzing.

Serving to stay in the set, Krejcikova starts with a forehand into the tramlines. She then pushes a backhand long and it 15-30.

Krejcikova drop shot is called in. Paolini challenges and the ball is out. Two set points. Krejcikova forehand into the tramlines.

And after 71 minutes, we are heading to a final set to decide the winner of the women’s singles.

Brilliant defence by Paolini to stay in the opening point. She forces Krejcikova to make a tough volley but the ball sits up nicely for a forehand winner, 15-0. Krejcikova forehand long, 40-0.

Deep backhand by Paolini catches out Krejcikova, who goes long with a forehand.

Krejcikova has undoubtedly fallen short of the high level we saw from her in the second set but she’s doing enough to stay with Paolini, who is in a zone at the moment.

105mph ace from Paolini, 30-15. Just her second of the match. She moves to 40-15 with a forehand winner and hold with another to maintain her lead.

Paolini’s body language is looking a lot more positive in this second set and there’s been a notable shift in her mindset. She’s dusted herself down from that early wobble and is fist pumping every point. She might have ended up on the turf in that last game after losing the rally but even then she still managed to break out into a smile.

That’s why the crowd love her.

Back-to-back double faults by Krejcikova put her in trouble at 0-30. Paolini compounds it with a forehand winner to give her two break points.

Paolini fails to break on the first. And the second when she nets a backhand. And Krejcikova escapes when Paolini pushes a backhand long. Will she regret not breaking here?

“She is honestly so adorable.” Not my words but those of Annabel Croft on BBC Radio Five Live after Paolini sat down on the court with her hands over her face, smiling wryly at her miscued overhead on the previous point. Easy to see why she is the fans’ favourite today.

Positive body language from Paolini as she moves to 40-15 with a lovely inside out forehand winner. She hit that very sweetly.

Paolini tries an ambitious drop shot that looked good but goes into the net. Break point Krejcikova after Paolini tries an angled drop shot. Krejcikova gets there and lifts up a lob and on the stretch Paolini nets an overhead smash. The Italian collapses to the floor and has her head in her hands.

Relief for Paolini after Krejcikova nets a backhand. And Paolini backs up the break when Krejcikova nets again.

Could this game be a turning point in the match?

Krejcikova appears to be struggling with her ball toss which is leading to a few groans from the crowd. But it soon turns to cheers when Paolini moves to 0-30. It gets even louder when Krejcikova nets a backhand to give Paolini two break points.

Krejcikova backhand into the net. Paolini breaks for the first time and the crowd erupts.

Game on?

Paolini left the court after the end of the first set. Probably a good idea to try and reset. That set could not have gone any worse for her.

She starts this set with a service hold to 30 and receives plenty of support from the crowd, who are desperate to see a match here.

Phenomenal set from Krejcikova who made 19 out of 21 first serves. Very hard to break someone in that sort of rhythm. The fans remain firmly in Paolini’s corner, though.

Paolini hasn’t reached mission impossible stage yet but the flow of the match needs to be drastically different if she wants to win the title.

Krejcikova eases to 40-0 and three set points and takes it when Paolini nets a forehand on the stretch.

A bit of relief for Paolini as she moves to game point at 40-30 when Krejcikova nets a forehand return. And she gets the hold when Krejcikova flicks a top spin forehand into the tramlines.

Everything is clicking for Krejcikova at the moment. A backhand winner down the line makes it 40-0 and she holds to 15 after rifling a forehand winner into the corner.

A lot of work to do for Paolini if she wants to even get a foothold in the match.

No prizes for guessing who the crowd are rooting for in this one, as shouts of ‘Forza!’ ripple around Centre Court. SW19 spectators have really warmed to Jasmine Paolini over the past fortnight and the crowd-pleasing Italian has lit up SW19 with her likeable personality. It looks like she’s going to need more than the crowd to break

Krejcikova’s ferocious forehand, though. The Czech woman stamped her authority all over this contest from the get-go but Paolini, just like she did in her semi-final victory over Donna Vekic, is growing into the contest.

The fans are having a ball on Centre Court. Very unusual to see a non-Brit enjoying the sort of full-throated support that Paolini is enjoying. Krejcikova asks for some appreciation after that remarkable rally at the end of the last game, and gets it too.

Paolini once again finds herself in trouble at 0-30. She claws it back to 30-30 but misses a forehand to give Krejcikova a break point.

Paolini double fault and Krejcikova gets the double break. Eight unforced errors by Paolini and she has been punished for it.

Totally nerveless start from Krejcikova. In her opening service game, she nails all four first serves at 104mph. The crowd are desperately trying to rally behind Paolini, who bounces back from losing nine points in a row to hold brilliantly for 1-2. Bouncebackability is definitely a Paolini trait, and it looks like it will have to be. Just the single Krejcikova unforced error so far.

Just 38 per cent of returns in play from Paolini so far and it means she is making little impact on Krejcikova’s service games. Point of the match so far as Krejcikova turns defence into offense and finishes with a forehand winner. Both players breathing hard after that 15 shot rally which gives Krejcikova game point.

And she maintains that early break advantage when Paolini goes long with her return.

The crowd are already trying to get behind Paolini after this fast start by Krejcikova. And it seems to work as Paolini fights back from 0-30 to lead 40-30 with a forehand winner.

But the Italian goes down the line with a backhand and the ball lands just long. Krejcikova gets a break point when Paolini goes long with a backhand.

Brilliant from Paolini as she disguises backhand wonderfully to hit a drop shot winner. Krejcikova is putting a lot of pressure on Paolini with her consistency off both wings but a rare unforced error on break point keeps the Italian in the game.

Krejcikova return long and Paolini gets up and running in the final.

Very clean start by Krejcikova. A forehand winner makes it 40-0 and she consolidates the break when Paolini’s forehand return goes long.

First point of the match goes to Krejcikova after a tentative backhand long by Paolini. An error on the forehand side makes it 15-30 and Krejcikova gets two early break points when a difficult volley by Paolini goes long.

Krejcikova forehand winner. The Czech is off to the perfect start.

Right on 2pm, the two players walk out on Centre Court for a terrific ovation. Paolini comes out, holding three water bottles which is something I don’t remember seeing a player do before. Maybe she didn’t have any space in her bag!

By India McTaggart
The Princess of Wales will attend the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

The Princess, 42, is patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club (AELTC) and will present the trophy tomorrow, as she has done since 2016.

Her attendance will come almost a month after she took part in Trooping the Colour in her first public appearance since she revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Click here for more.

Hello and welcome to coverage of the Wimbledon women’s final between Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova.

After a thrilling 12 days, we have arrived at the finals weekend and today we will have a first-time winner of the women’s singles title following fightbacks from both players from a set down to win in finals sets in the semi-finals.

Paolini was one of two Italians to reach the last four in the men’s and women’s draws and Jannik Sinner is the world No 1.

It is a golden era for tennis in Italy and Paolini says they are all inspiring each other.

“I think now we are many Italians doing great things. I think we are inspiring each other, no? Also, I have to say in Italy there are many, many tournaments, like challengers, ITF, juniors.

I think every player shows that something can be possible. Jannik is showing that. In Italy now it’s normal to have Jannik No. 1. Normal, no, but he’s doing unbelievable things.

I think he lost three matches this year, so it’s unbelievable to have him in that position. I think it help all the movement behind, no?

Now we have many, many players that are doing really, really well, apart Sinner, of course.”

For Krejcikova, who knocked out 2022 champion Elena Rybakina on Thursday, she is bidding to add to her 2021 French Open title and expects a difficult match on Centre.

“I expect a difficult match,” she said. “I expect it’s going to be a big match for both of us. I expect a lot of fighting from both sides. Yeah, I expect, I mean, very, very, very nice match.

“We have a huge tennis history in Czech Republic at the Wimbledon, but also at any other majors. I mean, when I was growing up, I had a lot of players that I could look up to.

“It’s great that right now I’m also a slam champion and I’m in the finals of Wimbledon.”

I’m not sure when 5ft 4in Jasmine Paolini transformed herself into 6ft 11in Ivo Karlovic, but that was her second love hold in three attempts in this set. Krejcikova is making absolutely no impression on the weak Paolini second serve. But it’s still nip and tuck out here.

Careless by Krejcikova to put a forehand into the tramlines at 40-0. A forehand return long by Krejcikov and Paolini secures another hold.

Much more like the Krejcikova of the first set in this game as she holds to love. She is starting to get joy again targeting Paolini’s forehand side.

Krejcikova isn’t one who shows too much emotion on court but you wonder what she’s thinking right now. After her aggressive start she’s taken her foot off the gas. Is she feeling the heat from the crowd?

The umpire has already had to intervene once after extended cheers from around Centre for Paolini, who did brilliantly well to put pressure on the Czech’s serve in that second set. This year’s French Open finalist isn’t going down without a fight.

Another game on the board for Paolini after a backhand error by Krejcikova. How long can she keep this level up?

Important game for Krejcikova to hold and settle things down after Paolini’s run of games. She managed to find her first serve again which helps her tennis massively.

Krejcikova takes a leaf out of Paolini’s playbook and leaves after the second set. When she returns, Paolini holds comfortably to love.

The Italian has the momentum and the confidence is flowing.

Serve stats tell a story about that set. Krejcikova dropped from 90 per cent first serves in to 63, and her second serve was taking a pummelling, winning only one point in three. Fans are buzzing.

Serving to stay in the set, Krejcikova starts with a forehand into the tramlines. She then pushes a backhand long and it 15-30.

Krejcikova drop shot is called in. Paolini challenges and the ball is out. Two set points. Krejcikova forehand into the tramlines.

And after 71 minutes, we are heading to a final set to decide the winner of the women’s singles.

Brilliant defence by Paolini to stay in the opening point. She forces Krejcikova to make a tough volley but the ball sits up nicely for a forehand winner, 15-0. Krejcikova forehand long, 40-0.

Deep backhand by Paolini catches out Krejcikova, who goes long with a forehand.

Krejcikova has undoubtedly fallen short of the high level we saw from her in the second set but she’s doing enough to stay with Paolini, who is in a zone at the moment.

105mph ace from Paolini, 30-15. Just her second of the match. She moves to 40-15 with a forehand winner and hold with another to maintain her lead.

Paolini’s body language is looking a lot more positive in this second set and there’s been a notable shift in her mindset. She’s dusted herself down from that early wobble and is fist pumping every point. She might have ended up on the turf in that last game after losing the rally but even then she still managed to break out into a smile.

That’s why the crowd love her.

Back-to-back double faults by Krejcikova put her in trouble at 0-30. Paolini compounds it with a forehand winner to give her two break points.

Paolini fails to break on the first. And the second when she nets a backhand. And Krejcikova escapes when Paolini pushes a backhand long. Will she regret not breaking here?

“She is honestly so adorable.” Not my words but those of Annabel Croft on BBC Radio Five Live after Paolini sat down on the court with her hands over her face, smiling wryly at her miscued overhead on the previous point. Easy to see why she is the fans’ favourite today.

Positive body language from Paolini as she moves to 40-15 with a lovely inside out forehand winner. She hit that very sweetly.

Paolini tries an ambitious drop shot that looked good but goes into the net. Break point Krejcikova after Paolini tries an angled drop shot. Krejcikova gets there and lifts up a lob and on the stretch Paolini nets an overhead smash. The Italian collapses to the floor and has her head in her hands.

Relief for Paolini after Krejcikova nets a backhand. And Paolini backs up the break when Krejcikova nets again.

Could this game be a turning point in the match?

Krejcikova appears to be struggling with her ball toss which is leading to a few groans from the crowd. But it soon turns to cheers when Paolini moves to 0-30. It gets even louder when Krejcikova nets a backhand to give Paolini two break points.

Krejcikova backhand into the net. Paolini breaks for the first time and the crowd erupts.

Game on?

Paolini left the court after the end of the first set. Probably a good idea to try and reset. That set could not have gone any worse for her.

She starts this set with a service hold to 30 and receives plenty of support from the crowd, who are desperate to see a match here.

Phenomenal set from Krejcikova who made 19 out of 21 first serves. Very hard to break someone in that sort of rhythm. The fans remain firmly in Paolini’s corner, though.

Paolini hasn’t reached mission impossible stage yet but the flow of the match needs to be drastically different if she wants to win the title.

Krejcikova eases to 40-0 and three set points and takes it when Paolini nets a forehand on the stretch.

A bit of relief for Paolini as she moves to game point at 40-30 when Krejcikova nets a forehand return. And she gets the hold when Krejcikova flicks a top spin forehand into the tramlines.

Everything is clicking for Krejcikova at the moment. A backhand winner down the line makes it 40-0 and she holds to 15 after rifling a forehand winner into the corner.

A lot of work to do for Paolini if she wants to even get a foothold in the match.

No prizes for guessing who the crowd are rooting for in this one, as shouts of ‘Forza!’ ripple around Centre Court. SW19 spectators have really warmed to Jasmine Paolini over the past fortnight and the crowd-pleasing Italian has lit up SW19 with her likeable personality. It looks like she’s going to need more than the crowd to break

Krejcikova’s ferocious forehand, though. The Czech woman stamped her authority all over this contest from the get-go but Paolini, just like she did in her semi-final victory over Donna Vekic, is growing into the contest.

The fans are having a ball on Centre Court. Very unusual to see a non-Brit enjoying the sort of full-throated support that Paolini is enjoying. Krejcikova asks for some appreciation after that remarkable rally at the end of the last game, and gets it too.

Paolini once again finds herself in trouble at 0-30. She claws it back to 30-30 but misses a forehand to give Krejcikova a break point.

Paolini double fault and Krejcikova gets the double break. Eight unforced errors by Paolini and she has been punished for it.

Totally nerveless start from Krejcikova. In her opening service game, she nails all four first serves at 104mph. The crowd are desperately trying to rally behind Paolini, who bounces back from losing nine points in a row to hold brilliantly for 1-2. Bouncebackability is definitely a Paolini trait, and it looks like it will have to be. Just the single Krejcikova unforced error so far.

Just 38 per cent of returns in play from Paolini so far and it means she is making little impact on Krejcikova’s service games. Point of the match so far as Krejcikova turns defence into offense and finishes with a forehand winner. Both players breathing hard after that 15 shot rally which gives Krejcikova game point.

And she maintains that early break advantage when Paolini goes long with her return.

The crowd are already trying to get behind Paolini after this fast start by Krejcikova. And it seems to work as Paolini fights back from 0-30 to lead 40-30 with a forehand winner.

But the Italian goes down the line with a backhand and the ball lands just long. Krejcikova gets a break point when Paolini goes long with a backhand.

Brilliant from Paolini as she disguises backhand wonderfully to hit a drop shot winner. Krejcikova is putting a lot of pressure on Paolini with her consistency off both wings but a rare unforced error on break point keeps the Italian in the game.

Krejcikova return long and Paolini gets up and running in the final.

Very clean start by Krejcikova. A forehand winner makes it 40-0 and she consolidates the break when Paolini’s forehand return goes long.

First point of the match goes to Krejcikova after a tentative backhand long by Paolini. An error on the forehand side makes it 15-30 and Krejcikova gets two early break points when a difficult volley by Paolini goes long.

Krejcikova forehand winner. The Czech is off to the perfect start.

Right on 2pm, the two players walk out on Centre Court for a terrific ovation. Paolini comes out, holding three water bottles which is something I don’t remember seeing a player do before. Maybe she didn’t have any space in her bag!

By India McTaggart
The Princess of Wales will attend the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

The Princess, 42, is patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club (AELTC) and will present the trophy tomorrow, as she has done since 2016.

Her attendance will come almost a month after she took part in Trooping the Colour in her first public appearance since she revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Click here for more.

Hello and welcome to coverage of the Wimbledon women’s final between Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova.

After a thrilling 12 days, we have arrived at the finals weekend and today we will have a first-time winner of the women’s singles title following fightbacks from both players from a set down to win in finals sets in the semi-finals.

Paolini was one of two Italians to reach the last four in the men’s and women’s draws and Jannik Sinner is the world No 1.

It is a golden era for tennis in Italy and Paolini says they are all inspiring each other.

“I think now we are many Italians doing great things. I think we are inspiring each other, no? Also, I have to say in Italy there are many, many tournaments, like challengers, ITF, juniors.

I think every player shows that something can be possible. Jannik is showing that. In Italy now it’s normal to have Jannik No. 1. Normal, no, but he’s doing unbelievable things.

I think he lost three matches this year, so it’s unbelievable to have him in that position. I think it help all the movement behind, no?

Now we have many, many players that are doing really, really well, apart Sinner, of course.”

For Krejcikova, who knocked out 2022 champion Elena Rybakina on Thursday, she is bidding to add to her 2021 French Open title and expects a difficult match on Centre.

“I expect a difficult match,” she said. “I expect it’s going to be a big match for both of us. I expect a lot of fighting from both sides. Yeah, I expect, I mean, very, very, very nice match.

“We have a huge tennis history in Czech Republic at the Wimbledon, but also at any other majors. I mean, when I was growing up, I had a lot of players that I could look up to.

“It’s great that right now I’m also a slam champion and I’m in the finals of Wimbledon.”

I’m not sure when 5ft 4in Jasmine Paolini transformed herself into 6ft 11in Ivo Karlovic, but that was her second love hold in three attempts in this set. Krejcikova is making absolutely no impression on the weak Paolini second serve. But it’s still nip and tuck out here.

Careless by Krejcikova to put a forehand into the tramlines at 40-0. A forehand return long by Krejcikov and Paolini secures another hold.

Much more like the Krejcikova of the first set in this game as she holds to love. She is starting to get joy again targeting Paolini’s forehand side.

Krejcikova isn’t one who shows too much emotion on court but you wonder what she’s thinking right now. After her aggressive start she’s taken her foot off the gas. Is she feeling the heat from the crowd?

The umpire has already had to intervene once after extended cheers from around Centre for Paolini, who did brilliantly well to put pressure on the Czech’s serve in that second set. This year’s French Open finalist isn’t going down without a fight.

Another game on the board for Paolini after a backhand error by Krejcikova. How long can she keep this level up?

Important game for Krejcikova to hold and settle things down after Paolini’s run of games. She managed to find her first serve again which helps her tennis massively.

Krejcikova takes a leaf out of Paolini’s playbook and leaves after the second set. When she returns, Paolini holds comfortably to love.

The Italian has the momentum and the confidence is flowing.

Serve stats tell a story about that set. Krejcikova dropped from 90 per cent first serves in to 63, and her second serve was taking a pummelling, winning only one point in three. Fans are buzzing.

Serving to stay in the set, Krejcikova starts with a forehand into the tramlines. She then pushes a backhand long and it 15-30.

Krejcikova drop shot is called in. Paolini challenges and the ball is out. Two set points. Krejcikova forehand into the tramlines.

And after 71 minutes, we are heading to a final set to decide the winner of the women’s singles.

Brilliant defence by Paolini to stay in the opening point. She forces Krejcikova to make a tough volley but the ball sits up nicely for a forehand winner, 15-0. Krejcikova forehand long, 40-0.

Deep backhand by Paolini catches out Krejcikova, who goes long with a forehand.

Krejcikova has undoubtedly fallen short of the high level we saw from her in the second set but she’s doing enough to stay with Paolini, who is in a zone at the moment.

105mph ace from Paolini, 30-15. Just her second of the match. She moves to 40-15 with a forehand winner and hold with another to maintain her lead.

Paolini’s body language is looking a lot more positive in this second set and there’s been a notable shift in her mindset. She’s dusted herself down from that early wobble and is fist pumping every point. She might have ended up on the turf in that last game after losing the rally but even then she still managed to break out into a smile.

That’s why the crowd love her.

Back-to-back double faults by Krejcikova put her in trouble at 0-30. Paolini compounds it with a forehand winner to give her two break points.

Paolini fails to break on the first. And the second when she nets a backhand. And Krejcikova escapes when Paolini pushes a backhand long. Will she regret not breaking here?

“She is honestly so adorable.” Not my words but those of Annabel Croft on BBC Radio Five Live after Paolini sat down on the court with her hands over her face, smiling wryly at her miscued overhead on the previous point. Easy to see why she is the fans’ favourite today.

Positive body language from Paolini as she moves to 40-15 with a lovely inside out forehand winner. She hit that very sweetly.

Paolini tries an ambitious drop shot that looked good but goes into the net. Break point Krejcikova after Paolini tries an angled drop shot. Krejcikova gets there and lifts up a lob and on the stretch Paolini nets an overhead smash. The Italian collapses to the floor and has her head in her hands.

Relief for Paolini after Krejcikova nets a backhand. And Paolini backs up the break when Krejcikova nets again.

Could this game be a turning point in the match?

Krejcikova appears to be struggling with her ball toss which is leading to a few groans from the crowd. But it soon turns to cheers when Paolini moves to 0-30. It gets even louder when Krejcikova nets a backhand to give Paolini two break points.

Krejcikova backhand into the net. Paolini breaks for the first time and the crowd erupts.

Game on?

Paolini left the court after the end of the first set. Probably a good idea to try and reset. That set could not have gone any worse for her.

She starts this set with a service hold to 30 and receives plenty of support from the crowd, who are desperate to see a match here.

Phenomenal set from Krejcikova who made 19 out of 21 first serves. Very hard to break someone in that sort of rhythm. The fans remain firmly in Paolini’s corner, though.

Paolini hasn’t reached mission impossible stage yet but the flow of the match needs to be drastically different if she wants to win the title.

Krejcikova eases to 40-0 and three set points and takes it when Paolini nets a forehand on the stretch.

A bit of relief for Paolini as she moves to game point at 40-30 when Krejcikova nets a forehand return. And she gets the hold when Krejcikova flicks a top spin forehand into the tramlines.

Everything is clicking for Krejcikova at the moment. A backhand winner down the line makes it 40-0 and she holds to 15 after rifling a forehand winner into the corner.

A lot of work to do for Paolini if she wants to even get a foothold in the match.

No prizes for guessing who the crowd are rooting for in this one, as shouts of ‘Forza!’ ripple around Centre Court. SW19 spectators have really warmed to Jasmine Paolini over the past fortnight and the crowd-pleasing Italian has lit up SW19 with her likeable personality. It looks like she’s going to need more than the crowd to break

Krejcikova’s ferocious forehand, though. The Czech woman stamped her authority all over this contest from the get-go but Paolini, just like she did in her semi-final victory over Donna Vekic, is growing into the contest.

The fans are having a ball on Centre Court. Very unusual to see a non-Brit enjoying the sort of full-throated support that Paolini is enjoying. Krejcikova asks for some appreciation after that remarkable rally at the end of the last game, and gets it too.

Paolini once again finds herself in trouble at 0-30. She claws it back to 30-30 but misses a forehand to give Krejcikova a break point.

Paolini double fault and Krejcikova gets the double break. Eight unforced errors by Paolini and she has been punished for it.

Totally nerveless start from Krejcikova. In her opening service game, she nails all four first serves at 104mph. The crowd are desperately trying to rally behind Paolini, who bounces back from losing nine points in a row to hold brilliantly for 1-2. Bouncebackability is definitely a Paolini trait, and it looks like it will have to be. Just the single Krejcikova unforced error so far.

Just 38 per cent of returns in play from Paolini so far and it means she is making little impact on Krejcikova’s service games. Point of the match so far as Krejcikova turns defence into offense and finishes with a forehand winner. Both players breathing hard after that 15 shot rally which gives Krejcikova game point.

And she maintains that early break advantage when Paolini goes long with her return.

The crowd are already trying to get behind Paolini after this fast start by Krejcikova. And it seems to work as Paolini fights back from 0-30 to lead 40-30 with a forehand winner.

But the Italian goes down the line with a backhand and the ball lands just long. Krejcikova gets a break point when Paolini goes long with a backhand.

Brilliant from Paolini as she disguises backhand wonderfully to hit a drop shot winner. Krejcikova is putting a lot of pressure on Paolini with her consistency off both wings but a rare unforced error on break point keeps the Italian in the game.

Krejcikova return long and Paolini gets up and running in the final.

Very clean start by Krejcikova. A forehand winner makes it 40-0 and she consolidates the break when Paolini’s forehand return goes long.

First point of the match goes to Krejcikova after a tentative backhand long by Paolini. An error on the forehand side makes it 15-30 and Krejcikova gets two early break points when a difficult volley by Paolini goes long.

Krejcikova forehand winner. The Czech is off to the perfect start.

Right on 2pm, the two players walk out on Centre Court for a terrific ovation. Paolini comes out, holding three water bottles which is something I don’t remember seeing a player do before. Maybe she didn’t have any space in her bag!

By India McTaggart
The Princess of Wales will attend the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

The Princess, 42, is patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club (AELTC) and will present the trophy tomorrow, as she has done since 2016.

Her attendance will come almost a month after she took part in Trooping the Colour in her first public appearance since she revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Click here for more.

Hello and welcome to coverage of the Wimbledon women’s final between Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova.

After a thrilling 12 days, we have arrived at the finals weekend and today we will have a first-time winner of the women’s singles title following fightbacks from both players from a set down to win in finals sets in the semi-finals.

Paolini was one of two Italians to reach the last four in the men’s and women’s draws and Jannik Sinner is the world No 1.

It is a golden era for tennis in Italy and Paolini says they are all inspiring each other.

“I think now we are many Italians doing great things. I think we are inspiring each other, no? Also, I have to say in Italy there are many, many tournaments, like challengers, ITF, juniors.

I think every player shows that something can be possible. Jannik is showing that. In Italy now it’s normal to have Jannik No. 1. Normal, no, but he’s doing unbelievable things.

I think he lost three matches this year, so it’s unbelievable to have him in that position. I think it help all the movement behind, no?

Now we have many, many players that are doing really, really well, apart Sinner, of course.”

For Krejcikova, who knocked out 2022 champion Elena Rybakina on Thursday, she is bidding to add to her 2021 French Open title and expects a difficult match on Centre.

“I expect a difficult match,” she said. “I expect it’s going to be a big match for both of us. I expect a lot of fighting from both sides. Yeah, I expect, I mean, very, very, very nice match.

“We have a huge tennis history in Czech Republic at the Wimbledon, but also at any other majors. I mean, when I was growing up, I had a lot of players that I could look up to.

“It’s great that right now I’m also a slam champion and I’m in the finals of Wimbledon.”

I’m not sure when 5ft 4in Jasmine Paolini transformed herself into 6ft 11in Ivo Karlovic, but that was her second love hold in three attempts in this set. Krejcikova is making absolutely no impression on the weak Paolini second serve. But it’s still nip and tuck out here.

Careless by Krejcikova to put a forehand into the tramlines at 40-0. A forehand return long by Krejcikov and Paolini secures another hold.

Much more like the Krejcikova of the first set in this game as she holds to love. She is starting to get joy again targeting Paolini’s forehand side.

Krejcikova isn’t one who shows too much emotion on court but you wonder what she’s thinking right now. After her aggressive start she’s taken her foot off the gas. Is she feeling the heat from the crowd?

The umpire has already had to intervene once after extended cheers from around Centre for Paolini, who did brilliantly well to put pressure on the Czech’s serve in that second set. This year’s French Open finalist isn’t going down without a fight.

Another game on the board for Paolini after a backhand error by Krejcikova. How long can she keep this level up?

Important game for Krejcikova to hold and settle things down after Paolini’s run of games. She managed to find her first serve again which helps her tennis massively.

Krejcikova takes a leaf out of Paolini’s playbook and leaves after the second set. When she returns, Paolini holds comfortably to love.

The Italian has the momentum and the confidence is flowing.

Serve stats tell a story about that set. Krejcikova dropped from 90 per cent first serves in to 63, and her second serve was taking a pummelling, winning only one point in three. Fans are buzzing.

Serving to stay in the set, Krejcikova starts with a forehand into the tramlines. She then pushes a backhand long and it 15-30.

Krejcikova drop shot is called in. Paolini challenges and the ball is out. Two set points. Krejcikova forehand into the tramlines.

And after 71 minutes, we are heading to a final set to decide the winner of the women’s singles.

Brilliant defence by Paolini to stay in the opening point. She forces Krejcikova to make a tough volley but the ball sits up nicely for a forehand winner, 15-0. Krejcikova forehand long, 40-0.

Deep backhand by Paolini catches out Krejcikova, who goes long with a forehand.

Krejcikova has undoubtedly fallen short of the high level we saw from her in the second set but she’s doing enough to stay with Paolini, who is in a zone at the moment.

105mph ace from Paolini, 30-15. Just her second of the match. She moves to 40-15 with a forehand winner and hold with another to maintain her lead.

Paolini’s body language is looking a lot more positive in this second set and there’s been a notable shift in her mindset. She’s dusted herself down from that early wobble and is fist pumping every point. She might have ended up on the turf in that last game after losing the rally but even then she still managed to break out into a smile.

That’s why the crowd love her.

Back-to-back double faults by Krejcikova put her in trouble at 0-30. Paolini compounds it with a forehand winner to give her two break points.

Paolini fails to break on the first. And the second when she nets a backhand. And Krejcikova escapes when Paolini pushes a backhand long. Will she regret not breaking here?

“She is honestly so adorable.” Not my words but those of Annabel Croft on BBC Radio Five Live after Paolini sat down on the court with her hands over her face, smiling wryly at her miscued overhead on the previous point. Easy to see why she is the fans’ favourite today.

Positive body language from Paolini as she moves to 40-15 with a lovely inside out forehand winner. She hit that very sweetly.

Paolini tries an ambitious drop shot that looked good but goes into the net. Break point Krejcikova after Paolini tries an angled drop shot. Krejcikova gets there and lifts up a lob and on the stretch Paolini nets an overhead smash. The Italian collapses to the floor and has her head in her hands.

Relief for Paolini after Krejcikova nets a backhand. And Paolini backs up the break when Krejcikova nets again.

Could this game be a turning point in the match?

Krejcikova appears to be struggling with her ball toss which is leading to a few groans from the crowd. But it soon turns to cheers when Paolini moves to 0-30. It gets even louder when Krejcikova nets a backhand to give Paolini two break points.

Krejcikova backhand into the net. Paolini breaks for the first time and the crowd erupts.

Game on?

Paolini left the court after the end of the first set. Probably a good idea to try and reset. That set could not have gone any worse for her.

She starts this set with a service hold to 30 and receives plenty of support from the crowd, who are desperate to see a match here.

Phenomenal set from Krejcikova who made 19 out of 21 first serves. Very hard to break someone in that sort of rhythm. The fans remain firmly in Paolini’s corner, though.

Paolini hasn’t reached mission impossible stage yet but the flow of the match needs to be drastically different if she wants to win the title.

Krejcikova eases to 40-0 and three set points and takes it when Paolini nets a forehand on the stretch.

A bit of relief for Paolini as she moves to game point at 40-30 when Krejcikova nets a forehand return. And she gets the hold when Krejcikova flicks a top spin forehand into the tramlines.

Everything is clicking for Krejcikova at the moment. A backhand winner down the line makes it 40-0 and she holds to 15 after rifling a forehand winner into the corner.

A lot of work to do for Paolini if she wants to even get a foothold in the match.

No prizes for guessing who the crowd are rooting for in this one, as shouts of ‘Forza!’ ripple around Centre Court. SW19 spectators have really warmed to Jasmine Paolini over the past fortnight and the crowd-pleasing Italian has lit up SW19 with her likeable personality. It looks like she’s going to need more than the crowd to break

Krejcikova’s ferocious forehand, though. The Czech woman stamped her authority all over this contest from the get-go but Paolini, just like she did in her semi-final victory over Donna Vekic, is growing into the contest.

The fans are having a ball on Centre Court. Very unusual to see a non-Brit enjoying the sort of full-throated support that Paolini is enjoying. Krejcikova asks for some appreciation after that remarkable rally at the end of the last game, and gets it too.

Paolini once again finds herself in trouble at 0-30. She claws it back to 30-30 but misses a forehand to give Krejcikova a break point.

Paolini double fault and Krejcikova gets the double break. Eight unforced errors by Paolini and she has been punished for it.

Totally nerveless start from Krejcikova. In her opening service game, she nails all four first serves at 104mph. The crowd are desperately trying to rally behind Paolini, who bounces back from losing nine points in a row to hold brilliantly for 1-2. Bouncebackability is definitely a Paolini trait, and it looks like it will have to be. Just the single Krejcikova unforced error so far.

Just 38 per cent of returns in play from Paolini so far and it means she is making little impact on Krejcikova’s service games. Point of the match so far as Krejcikova turns defence into offense and finishes with a forehand winner. Both players breathing hard after that 15 shot rally which gives Krejcikova game point.

And she maintains that early break advantage when Paolini goes long with her return.

The crowd are already trying to get behind Paolini after this fast start by Krejcikova. And it seems to work as Paolini fights back from 0-30 to lead 40-30 with a forehand winner.

But the Italian goes down the line with a backhand and the ball lands just long. Krejcikova gets a break point when Paolini goes long with a backhand.

Brilliant from Paolini as she disguises backhand wonderfully to hit a drop shot winner. Krejcikova is putting a lot of pressure on Paolini with her consistency off both wings but a rare unforced error on break point keeps the Italian in the game.

Krejcikova return long and Paolini gets up and running in the final.

Very clean start by Krejcikova. A forehand winner makes it 40-0 and she consolidates the break when Paolini’s forehand return goes long.

First point of the match goes to Krejcikova after a tentative backhand long by Paolini. An error on the forehand side makes it 15-30 and Krejcikova gets two early break points when a difficult volley by Paolini goes long.

Krejcikova forehand winner. The Czech is off to the perfect start.

Right on 2pm, the two players walk out on Centre Court for a terrific ovation. Paolini comes out, holding three water bottles which is something I don’t remember seeing a player do before. Maybe she didn’t have any space in her bag!

By India McTaggart
The Princess of Wales will attend the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

The Princess, 42, is patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club (AELTC) and will present the trophy tomorrow, as she has done since 2016.

Her attendance will come almost a month after she took part in Trooping the Colour in her first public appearance since she revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Click here for more.

Hello and welcome to coverage of the Wimbledon women’s final between Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova.

After a thrilling 12 days, we have arrived at the finals weekend and today we will have a first-time winner of the women’s singles title following fightbacks from both players from a set down to win in finals sets in the semi-finals.

Paolini was one of two Italians to reach the last four in the men’s and women’s draws and Jannik Sinner is the world No 1.

It is a golden era for tennis in Italy and Paolini says they are all inspiring each other.

“I think now we are many Italians doing great things. I think we are inspiring each other, no? Also, I have to say in Italy there are many, many tournaments, like challengers, ITF, juniors.

I think every player shows that something can be possible. Jannik is showing that. In Italy now it’s normal to have Jannik No. 1. Normal, no, but he’s doing unbelievable things.

I think he lost three matches this year, so it’s unbelievable to have him in that position. I think it help all the movement behind, no?

Now we have many, many players that are doing really, really well, apart Sinner, of course.”

For Krejcikova, who knocked out 2022 champion Elena Rybakina on Thursday, she is bidding to add to her 2021 French Open title and expects a difficult match on Centre.

“I expect a difficult match,” she said. “I expect it’s going to be a big match for both of us. I expect a lot of fighting from both sides. Yeah, I expect, I mean, very, very, very nice match.

“We have a huge tennis history in Czech Republic at the Wimbledon, but also at any other majors. I mean, when I was growing up, I had a lot of players that I could look up to.

“It’s great that right now I’m also a slam champion and I’m in the finals of Wimbledon.”