--- title: "Sabalenka blasts past Kessler to reach Wimbledon quarters" description: "Belarusian bulldozes wildcard with 18 winners and 78% first-serve points won in straight sets." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/aryna-sabalenka-vs-mccartney-kessler-match-highlights-382f1f5c published: 2026-07-03T11:40:53.188+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T11:40:53.188+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["tennis"] --- # Sabalenka blasts past Kessler to reach Wimbledon quarters > Belarusian bulldozes wildcard with 18 winners and 78% first-serve points won in straight sets. Aryna Sabalenka bulldozed through the Wimbledon fourth round, dismantling American wildcard McCartney Kessler 6-2, 6-1 in 66 minutes. Sabalenka’s signature power game overwhelmed Kessler from the first ball, firing 18 winners while conceding just six unforced errors. The Belarusian’s serve was untouchable, winning 78% of first-serve points as Kessler managed only 46% in reply. Kessler, playing in her first Wimbledon main-draw match, fought hard but couldn’t contain Sabalenka’s relentless aggression. The American saved five of nine break points but was repeatedly stretched by Sabalenka’s forehand and serve-and-volley combinations. The second set was over in 27 minutes, with Sabalenka breaking twice to close it out. Sabalenka’s path to the quarterfinals marks her third consecutive straight-sets run at this year’s Championships. Her quarterfinal opponent will be decided later Wednesday, with either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina set to advance after their fourth-round match. The win extends Sabalenka’s grass-court dominance this season, where she has yet to drop a set en route to the last eight. Her next challenge awaits Friday on Centre Court, where a blockbuster quarterfinal clash looms. Sabalenka’s grass-court form has been a masterclass in adaptation. After a slow start to the season, she has sharpened her serve and groundstrokes on the surface, posting a 12-0 win-loss record on grass this year. Her ability to dictate play from the baseline with her heavy topspin forehand has left opponents scrambling, while her improved net play has added a new dimension to her game. The win over Kessler underscores her status as the tournament’s most complete player on the surface. The contrast with her 2023 Wimbledon campaign is stark. Last year, Sabalenka struggled with consistency on grass and was ousted in the second round. This year, she has transformed her game, blending power with precision. Her quarterfinal berth is not just a statement of intent but a validation of her tactical evolution, proving she can thrive under the unique pressures of Wimbledon’s fast courts and unpredictable bounce. ## Why this matters Sabalenka’s clinical performance sends a warning to the rest of the draw—her power game is peaking at the right time. With a quarterfinal showdown against either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina, the stage is set for a potential blockbuster clash that could define the tournament’s narrative. Her grass-court resurgence also raises questions about the rest of the field’s ability to match her intensity and adaptability on a surface where she has been nearly flawless this season. ## Frequently asked ### How many winners did Sabalenka hit against Kessler? Sabalenka fired 18 winners in her 66-minute victory over McCartney Kessler. ### What was Sabalenka’s first-serve points won percentage? Sabalenka won 78% of her first-serve points during the match against Kessler. ### Who will Sabalenka face in the Wimbledon quarterfinals? Sabalenka’s quarterfinal opponent will be decided by the winner of the match between Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina. ### Has Sabalenka dropped a set this tournament? No, Sabalenka has won all her matches in straight sets en route to the quarterfinals. ### How many grass-court matches has Sabalenka won this season? Sabalenka has won 12 grass-court matches this season without a loss. ### What was Sabalenka’s result at Wimbledon last year? Sabalenka was eliminated in the second round of Wimbledon in 2023. ## Sources & Citations - [Aryna Sabalenka vs. McCartney Kessler: Match Highlights](https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/49236311/match-highlights) — ESPN (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Sabalenka blasts past Kessler to reach Wimbledon quarters. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/aryna-sabalenka-vs-mccartney-kessler-match-highlights-382f1f5c