Qualifier Sun’s Dream Run Ends as Vekic Reaches Wimbledon Semi-Finals

On a thrilling day at Wimbledon, qualifier Lulu Sun’s dream run to the quarter-finals was brought to an end by Croatia’s Donna Vekic on Court One. The 23-year-old New Zealander, who had shocked Britain’s Emma Raducanu in the previous round, was hoping to become the first qualifier to reach the women’s semi-finals since 1999 when American Alexandra Stevenson achieved the feat. However, the world number 123 fell short, succumbing to a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 defeat against the 28-year-old Vekic, who advanced to her first-ever Grand Slam semi-final.

Vekic Battles Back After Losing First Set

The 37th-ranked Vekic battled hard in the opening set, creating four break point opportunities, but was unable to breach Sun’s resilient defense. The match turned in the New Zealander’s favor when she broke Vekic’s serve at 5-5 to clinch the first set. Vekic quickly regained her composure in the second set, breaking Sun to go up 5-3, but a series of double faults allowed the qualifier to break back. Unfazed, Vekic leveled the match with a brilliant drop shot, and from there she dominated the deciding set to secure her place in the last four.

Vekic Last Unseeded Player Remaining

Vekic is now the last unseeded player remaining in the women’s draw, dashing Wimbledon’s hopes of a qualifier becoming champion in the Open era. The 2021 US Open champion, Emma Raducanu, remains the only qualifier to have won a Grand Slam title in this period.

“It’s an amazing feeling to reach my first Grand Slam semi-final. I had to dig deep and fight hard, but I’m thrilled to be through to the next round.” – Donna Vekic

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