World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka kept her Wimbledon title hopes alive with a hard-fought victory over Belgian 24th seed Elise Mertens, securing her place in the quarter-finals with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) triumph on Monday.

The 27-year-old Belarusian, twice a semi-finalist at the All England Club, was made to work for her tenth straight win over Mertens. Despite a quick start—racing to a 4-1 lead in the opening set—Sabalenka had to withstand a spirited fightback. 

Mertens responded with aggressive shot-making, leveling the set before Sabalenka broke again to clinch the opener.

The second set brought more tension. Mertens capitalized on Sabalenka’s service dip, breaking to lead 3-1 with a thunderous backhand winner. But the world number one rallied, leveling the score and eventually forcing a tie-break. 

There, Sabalenka displayed the composure and firepower that have become her trademark, recovering from an early deficit to seal the match.

Speaking after the match, Sabalenka praised her opponent: “It was a battle. Elise is a smart and tough competitor. She really challenged me today.” Reflecting on her Wimbledon chances, she added: “Everything is possible. I’m just giving my best and hoping for the best.”

With many top seeds having already exited the draw, Sabalenka stands as the last remaining player from the top six, heightening expectations. She now faces Germany’s world No. 104 Laura Siegemund for a place in the semi-finals.

As the tournament thins out, Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game and championship mindset have her firmly in the spotlight—one step closer to lifting the Wimbledon trophy for the first time.

Source: BBC

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