Vekic ends shining Sun’s unexpected run to reach semis

Donna Vekic ended the fairy tale Wimbledon run of Lulu Sun to reach her first grand slam semi-final.

Qualifier sensation Sun won the first set and looked on course to become only the second woman to come through qualifying and reach the last four.

But Vekic, the 28-year-old from Croatia, took a tight second set and then ran away with the third for a 5-7 6-4 6-1 victory.

“It was a really tough match, she played unbelievable, I feel like she really pushed me to my limits,” said an emotional Vekic.

“I felt like I was dying out there in the first two sets but I just kept going, hoping to have a chance and it came in the end.

“I have a full box of people there and I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Sun has nonetheless lit up this year’s championship with her fearless tennis as well as her apt surname, given that is frustratingly what has been missing from this rain-sodden tournament.

She is the first woman from New Zealand to reach the quarter-finals and her run, including the fourth-round with over Raducanu, has gripped the nation with her matches broadcast live after midnight in her homeland.

Reflecting on her Wimbledon experience, she said: “I mean, even on the first day against Zheng Qinwen, I thought the court was huge and the people were loud.

“I was just, like, super happy to be able to get that experience and play against such a big player, such a great player.

“But then I played on Centre, against Emma. I don’t think I could forget that. Definitely not. So I’ve had really great matches here at Wimbledon.

“I think just energy from New Zealand fans and other fans, as well, is such a surreal moment for me that I definitely won’t forget.”