Aryna Sabalenka keeps cool and advances after defeating Marie Bouzkova at Wimbledon

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka faced a sterner test than expected on Centre Court Wednesday but showed the composure and power that have made her a two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist as she edged past Czech challenger Marie Bouzkova 7-6(4), 6-4 to reach the third round of the tournament.

Under the shifting skies above SW19, with the sun playing hide-and-seek amid grey clouds, Sabalenka’s patience and persistence were put to the test.

The opening set was a tense back-and-forth affair under the unpredictable skies of Centre Court. Sabalenka, a two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist, repeatedly pressed to break Bouzkova’s serve but was met with resilience from the Czech player.

In the 11th game, Sabalenka’s frustration surfaced when she dropped serve after a costly double fault. The 27-year-old let out a scream after missing a crucial break point in the following game, showing the pressure she was under.

However, Sabalenka quickly composed herself. Using her powerful backhand, she forced the set into a tiebreak. In the breaker, Bouzkova committed a couple of unforced errors, which Sabalenka capitalised on. The Belarusian sealed the first set with a confident forehand winner, taking it 7-6(4).

Sabalenka’s serve, though not at its best with a first serve percentage of 61%, still won an impressive 89% of those points, giving her a crucial edge. Meanwhile, Bouzkova delivered a higher first serve percentage at 80%, but won only 62% of those points.

The momentum began to shift in Sabalenka’s favour early in the second set. In the fifth game, an untimely error at the net from Bouzkova gifted Sabalenka a crucial break.

From there, the top seed took firm control. She held her serve confidently, showing no signs of letting the match slip away. Sabalenka’s power and precision paid off as she closed out the set 6-4, securing her progression to the third round.

Sabalenka’s overall service game was strong, winning 91% of her service games compared to Bouzkova’s 82%. She also hit 5 aces to Bouzkova’s 2, despite serving fewer first serves.

The Belarusian's return game was particularly effective; she won 38% of first return points and 40% of second return points, compared to Bouzkova’s 11% and 35% respectively. This helped Sabalenka break twice, winning 50% of the break points she earned.

After the match, Sabalenka was asked about the many big names knocked out in the first round and whether she paid attention to those results.

"It’s very sad to see so many top players lose in the first round. As the time shows, you better focus on yourself and stay away from the results," she said. "Of course you’re gonna know the overall picture. But it’s better to take it one step at a time and do your best every time you’re out here competing. I’m trying to stay away. I hope it’s no upsets anymore in this tournament… if you know what I mean," she added with a smile.

With many top seeds falling early, Sabalenka’s win is a timely boost as she eyes her first Wimbledon title after two semi-final runs. Her blend of power, mental toughness, and tactical awareness will be key as the competition stiffens.

Next up for Sabalenka will be the winner of the intriguing second-round match between Emma Raducanu and Marketa Vondrousova, two formidable opponents who have both shown great form on grass this season. Sabalenka will need to stay focused and continue her strong play to advance deeper into the tournament.

For now, the Belarusian remains committed to taking Wimbledon one match at a time, a mindset that has served her well so far on the Centre Court.