Aryna Sabalenka showed why she is number 1 in the world by dominating McCartney Kessler and securing her place in the third round of Wimbledon with authority. On July 1st, the Belarusian gave the North American no chance on Center Court, imposing a resounding score of 6-1 and 7-6, with the tiebreak decided at 11-9. It was the 21st time that Sabalenka reached the top 32 stage in a Grand Slam, a record that reinforces her consistency at the highest level of world tennis.
The victory over Kessler wasn't just another number on the table; It marked the defending champion's successful debut at this year's Wimbledon, consolidating the player's aggressive adaptation to the fast conditions of British grass. Sabalenka kept the pressure on from the first serve, turning each game into a display of physical and mental strength. The path, however, becomes narrower.
The next obstacle will be Latvian Jelena Ostapenko, a dangerous opponent who has just eliminated Croatian Antonia Ruzic. Ostapenko, known for her explosive game, promises to turn the third round duel into a clash of power, testing the solidity of the ranking leader. With her confidence high, Sabalenka sees the tournament not just as a defense of points, but as the perfect opportunity to prove that her tennis transcends surfaces.
The world title is not just a ranking, it is a style of play that she imposes regardless of the ground beneath her feet. The ball is now in the court for the duel against Ostapenko, a match that could set the pace for Sabalenka's campaign in London. Winning means advancing to the round of 16 and keeping the pressure on the other seeds.
Sabalenka arrives at Wimbledon with a recent history of adapting quickly to fast surfaces. In 2023, she dominated the Australian Open on synthetic grass, while in 2024 she repeated the feat at Indian Wells, also on hard courts. This ability to adjust the game in record time — whether with tactical adjustments or changes in the rotation of the ball — places the Belarusian as the most dangerous candidate for the London title.
Grass, traditionally dominated by players with powerful serves and accurate volleys, has seen an increase in the presence of athletes with an aggressive style from the back of the court, and Sabalenka embodies this trend. The clash against Ostapenko is not just a third round match, but a test of mental endurance. The Latvian, Roland Garros champion in 2017, is known for her ability to turn around matches even in adverse situations.
In 2023, she eliminated Sabalenka herself at Wimbledon, showing that she is capable of exploiting the number 1's possible weaknesses. The dynamics of the game between the two — with Ostapenko looking for variations and Sabalenka maintaining the rhythm — promises an intense tactical and physical duel. The match against Ostapenko also carries historic weight for women's tennis.
Since Steffi Graf, in 1996, no number 1 in the world rankings had reached the Wimbledon round of 16 without losing even a set in the first two rounds. Sabalenka, if she achieves the feat, would not only reinforce her favoritism but would also go down in tournament history as the first to break this streak in almost three decades. The pressure on the Belarusian, therefore, does not just come from Ostapenko, but from the very legacy that she can rewrite.
"Sabalenka is playing with the confidence of someone who knows she can dominate any surface. It's no surprise that she is among the favorites here," said former player and commentator Mats Wilander during the tournament broadcast. " What is at stake for Sabalenka is not just a place in the last 16, but the opportunity to silence criticism of her play on fast surfaces.
Since taking the top spot in the rankings, she has been questioned for not having won a title at Wimbledon, despite good campaigns. A victory against Ostapenko could be the boost needed to close that gap and reinforce her hegemony in women's tennis today. The match against Ostapenko is scheduled for July 4th, at 2pm (local time), on Court 1.
The duel promises to be one of the highlights of the third round, broadcast live on the BBC and ESPN. Sabalenka not only advances, but redefines what is expected of a Wimbledon number 1. Her aggressive game, combined with consistency on all surfaces, puts the tournament in question: for the first time in years, the London grass can have a champion who does not depend on serve and volley, but rather on a style that dominates regardless of the surface.
If she manages to overcome Ostapenko and remain undefeated, the title will not only be an achievement, but proof that women's tennis has entered a new era - where the power of the court can supplant the oldest traditions of the All England Club. Read at RTP Desporto
Why this matters
Aryna Sabalenka's passage to the third round of Wimbledon goes beyond mere classification. As leader of the world rankings, her performance on the London grass serves as definitive proof of her versatility and adaptability, two pillars that support her hegemony in women's tennis. This victory not only reinforces her favoritism, but also redefines expectations about who can aspire to the title in a tournament historically dominated by players with different styles. The imminent showdown with Ostapenko raises the stakes, turning the match into a watershed not just for Sabalenka, but for today's women's tennis landscape, where the ability to reinvent the game on different surfaces defines true legends.
Frequently asked
Who did Aryna Sabalenka beat in the second round of Wimbledon?
The Belarusian tennis player defeated North American McCartney Kessler in two sets, with scores of 6-1 and 7-6, guaranteeing her place in the next phase.
Who is Sabalenka's next opponent in the tournament?
Sabalenka will face Latvian player Jelena Ostapenko in the third round. Ostapenko advanced after beating Croatian Antonia Ruzic in the previous round.
How many times has Sabalenka reached the third round of a Grand Slam?
With this victory, Aryna Sabalenka reached the mark of 21 appearances in the third round of Grand Slam tournaments throughout her professional career.
When did Sabalenka's match against Kessler take place?
The game took place on July 1, in London, during the second round of the Wimbledon Grand Slam.
What is Sabalenka's track record on fast surfaces?
Sabalenka has shown strong adaptation to fast surfaces, with titles at the Australian Open (2023) and good performance at Wimbledon in recent years, consolidating her aggressive game on grass courts.
Where and when will the match against Ostapenko take place?
The duel is scheduled for July 4th, at 2pm (local time), on Court 1 at Wimbledon, broadcast live on the BBC and ESPN.
