Sabalenka advances to third round at Wimbledon

World number one Aryna Sabalenka put this year’s record number of Wimbledon upsets out of her mind in a hard-fought victory over Marie Bouzkova.
Eight top-10 seeds across the men’s and women’s singles draws went out across the opening two days – the most at a Grand Slam in the Open era – but Sabalenka avoided that same fate with a gritty 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 win over the world number 48.
The Belarusian is aiming to add a maiden Wimbledon title to her three other Grand Slam triumphs at the US and Australian Opens.
After her win, the top seed told the Centre Court crowd: “I hope it is no upsets anymore in this tournament, if you know what I mean!”
Sabalenka, 27, has reached the final of both majors so far this year, but lost to Madison Keys at the Australian Open and Coco Gauff at the French Open.
“Honestly, it is sad to see so many upsets in the tournament in both draws,” she added.
“I’m just trying to take it one step at a time. I know if I’m focused, if I’m there, if I’m fighting, I know I’m going to have my chance in each match.
“I think it’s really important to focus on yourself and to take it one step at a time – do not really look at the draw.
“This is something that can create a lot of nerves and a lot of doubts.”
Sabalenka could face Emma Raducanu in round three, should the British number one overcome 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova later yesterday.
Meanwhile, American Keys breezed into the third round with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 win over Serbia’s Olga Danilovic.
If the sixth seed and Sabalenka continue to progress they could meet in the quarter-finals in a repeat of their Melbourne final.