Wimbledon: Sabalenka sets up third-round clash vs Ostapenko

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates her victory against McCartney Kessler of the United States in their second round women’s singles match, at Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

LONDON–World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled through a tough second set against American McCartney Kessler to reach the Wimbledon third round on Wednesday.

The four-time Grand Slam champion, who has reached 14 successive major quarter-finals, won 6-1, 7-6 (11/9) on Court One to secure a last-32 meeting with former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko.

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“That was a true battle and I’m super happy that I was able to stay in that second set to get into that tie-break,” said Sabalenka.

“She really tested me and I’m super happy to pass the test.”

Sabalenka has never won Wimbledon, losing in the semi-finals on each of her past three visits.

Kessler missed two set points when serving for the second set at 5-3 ahead, before Sabalenka fought back and took a tie-break, in which her 57th-ranked opponent saw another two set points come and go.

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