Top seeded Aryna Sabalenka flew over a massive challenge from Marie Bouzkova to get herself into Wimbledon third round with the score 7-6(4), 6-4 in the Centre Court on Wednesday.
Sabalenka, the three times grand slam champion, was given no easy task by the Czech world number 36 in the opening set. The Belarusian player, although she missed several opportunities, was broken in the 11th game after she double-faulted and a frustration was clearly visible, she even yelled out after she missed a key break point in the following game.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old managed to get back her energy in time to make a tie-break, which she led right from the beginning as Bouzkova messed twice. A sharp forehand winner decided the set for Sabalenka, who is still waiting to win a Wimbledon trophy after being a semi-finalist in 2021 and 2023.
Sabalenka opened up the second set well, using a mistake from Bouzkova at the net to take the lead in the fifth game. From that point on, the number one seed seemed to have all the advantages and showed the strength and calmness that have made her a frequent Grand Slam finalist.
As a few leading players have been eliminated already, Sabalenka’s way to a first Wimbledon title has become easier and she has not at all seemed tired yet.
