Wimbledon 2026 | Winning wasn’t my plan, just wanted to enjoy this experience: Kostyuk on beating Paolini

Marta Kostyuk returns to Jasmine Paolini during their quarter-final clash on Wednesday. Pic/AP

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk cruised past Jasmine Paolini on Wednesday to book a Wimbledon 2026 semi-final clash with Linda Noskova.

World No. 13 Kostyuk raced to a 6-3, 6-2 victory after just 69 minutes on Centre Court and will face Czech ninth seed Noskova on Thursday for a place in her first major final.

"I was on this court as a spectator once nine years ago watching the great Roger Federer and to be back here as a player is amazing. Honestly, winning wasn't even a part of my plan.

I just wanted to enjoy the moment," said the 24-year-old Kostyuk after her first appearance on the showpiece court at the All England Club.

Kostyuk has only lost one of her last 22 matches. Meanwhile, the in-form Noskova clinched a 6-3, 7-5 win over experienced Belgian 25th seed Elise Mertens on Court One.

Mertens battled hard in her first Grand Slam quarter-final since 2020, but could not deal with Noskova's power.

The Czech has enjoyed an excellent grass-court campaign, reaching her first Slam semi-final after also winning her second WTA title in Berlin.

Two
No. of times Kostyuk has made a Grand Slam semi-final; she previously reached the last four at this year's French Open

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