NewKerala.com

Key Points

Aryna Sabalenka continues her dominant run at Wimbledon, defeating Elise Mertens in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals. The Belarusian, now a three-time Grand Slam champion, is chasing her first Wimbledon title after past semifinal finishes. Sabalenka’s powerful serve and 36 winners proved decisive against her former doubles partner. Next, she faces Laura Siegemund for a spot in the semifinals.

Key Points: Sabalenka Advances to Wimbledon Quarterfinals After Beating Mertens

  • Sabalenka defeats Mertens 6-4, 7-6 in Wimbledon fourth round
  • Former doubles partners won US Open together in 2018
  • Sabalenka has 11 wins in 13 matches against Mertens
  • Only top-six seed remaining in women’s draw
2 min read

Wimbledon: Aryna Sabalenka marches into quarterfinals with win over former doubles partner

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeats former doubles partner Elise Mertens to reach Wimbledon quarterfinals, eyeing her first title at the All England Club.

"Sabalenka is in red-hot form in Grand Slams, reaching the quarterfinals in her previous 10 events. – WTA"

London, July 7

The world number one Aryna Sabalenka marched into the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, defeating world number 19 Elise Mertens in her round of 16 match.

Sabalenka defeated her former doubles partner, Elise, with whom she won her first Grand Slam title six years back at the US Open, with a margin of 6-4, 7-6 (4), in the fourth round at the All England Club. Sabalenka has now secured wins in 11 out of 13 matches against Elise.

Sabalenka, the US Open champion, is the only one of the top six seeds left in the women's draw.

The 27-year-old missed last year's Wimbledon due to injury and was banned in 2022 as part of a blanket suspension on Russian and Belarusian athletes due to the invasion of Ukraine.

Now a three-time Grand Slam champion, Sabalenka is just a few steps away from her fourth title and her first-ever Wimbledon title, where she has finished in the semifinals twice, back in 2021 and 2023, as per WTA's official website.

The Belarusian's next challenge will be the 37-year-old Laura Siegemund, who ousted Solana Sierra with a 6-3, 6-2 victory.

Sabalenka finished with a total of six aces and won 32 of her 38 first-serve points. Both players had 18 unforced errors, Sabalenka had 36 winners, nine more in comparison to Elise.

Sabalenka is in red-hot form in Grand Slams, and she has reached the quarterfinals in her previous 10 Grand Slam events. Her 16 Grand Slam wins this year are way more than any other player, so are her 46 wins overall, as per WTA's official website.

Elise, currently ranked world number 19, is no less at the age of 29. The Belgian secured the Libema Open last month and came into the match with a career record of 15-7 at Wimbledon.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's bittersweet seeing her beat her former doubles partner. They must know each other's game so well. But that's professional sports - no friends on court! Hoping she can finally win Wimbledon this year 🤞
A
Aman W
The political ban in 2022 was unfair to athletes like Sabalenka. Sports and politics should be kept separate. She's proving why she's world no.1 with these consistent performances across all surfaces.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows tennis closely from India, I must say Sabalenka's mental toughness has improved tremendously. Earlier she used to lose composure in tight moments, but now she's so clinical in tiebreaks!
N
Nisha Z
While Sabalenka is impressive, I feel the women's draw has become quite predictable. Where are the new challengers? The top players keep dominating without much competition. Tennis needs more depth like in men's game.
V
Vikram M
Her stats are mind-blowing! 46 wins this year already? That's more than some players manage in 2 seasons. Hope she maintains this form for Olympics too. Would love to see her represent Belarus there 🎾

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50