Tennis players often claim it can be difficult to compete against a close acquaintance, as the usual competitive drive may not come as naturally as it does against other opponents. Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked first in the world, has seldom faced this issue. However, she was tested by her former doubles partner Elise Mertens before securing a 6-4, 7-6 (4) victory to advance to the quarter-finals.
Mertens had only won two sets in their past nine meetings but delivered one of her strongest performances at Wimbledon, yet still fell short. Sabalenka, the tournament’s highest seed, recorded 36 winners with just 18 unforced errors, recovering from a 3-1 deficit in the second set to book her place against Germany’s Laura Siegemund.
“It’s challenging to play against someone you know well,” Sabalenka said. “She’s a strong competitor and a great person. It’s not easy to face her—I know how smart she is, and that she won’t give up. She pushed me today, so I’m very pleased with the result.”
Wimbledon remains the only major tournament where Sabalenka has not reached the final. However, she expressed growing confidence. “Winning here has always been a dream. Each time I step on this court, I try to play my best, fight for every point, and hope for a good outcome.”
After a tough match against Emma Raducanu in the previous round, Sabalenka surged ahead early, taking a 4-1 lead. But Mertens responded well, striking precise returns and using her forehand slice to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm, leveling at 4-4. Yet whenever Sabalenka seemed pressured, she regained control, holding serve and sealing the set with a powerful backhand.
Mertens continued to play composed tennis, blending finesse with solid groundstrokes and strong serves to lead 3-1 in the second set. Once more, Sabalenka fought back, breaking for 3-3 before dominating the tie-break to win 7-4 and secure her spot in the quarter-finals.
Siegemund reached the quarter-finals for the first time, defeating Argentina’s Solana Sierra 6-3, 6-2 after previously eliminating Madison Keys. Sierra had earlier defeated Katie Boulter in the second round as a lucky loser.
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