It is a second consecutive Grand Slam final for the 28-year-old late bloomer after she also made the final of the French Open.
The Tuscan player had already made history by becoming the first Italian woman to reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon.
She showed remarkable character to come back from a set down, having looked outgunned at several moments during the clash, and to not despair after failing to take a match point on Vekic’s serve when she was 5-4 up in the final set.
“I really had a hard time, but I kept saying to myself, fight for every ball,” Paolini said.
“I’m really happy.
“I’ll remember this match forever.
“I tried to focus on what I had to do on court.
“There’s no better place to fight for every ball.
“It was beautiful to play in front of you.
“This is a wonderful place for a tennis player.
“Thank you for supporting me.”
ANSA
