No.2 seed at 2023 Wimbledon, Aryna Sabalenka is through to the third round but at one point sat on the brink of defeat against Varvara Gracheva on Court One.
Sabalenka sealed a 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 win over Gracheva who recently started representing France in the first move from Russia after the war began.
For Sabalenka, she adds to her win over Panna Udvardy (6-3, 6-1) albeit this was anything but comfortable. No.1 seed, Iga Swiatek will look to join her later this afternoon in the winners' circle albeit in the fourth round.
The first set saw Gracheva take it 6-2 with upset watch very much on. The former took advantage to the full of 16 unforced errors in the first set compared to eight from Gracheva.
Sabalenka struggled with her serve throughout the opening set and it went from bad to worse as Gracheva gave her no opportunities to break serve albeit with the Belarusian showing signs of getting into some rhythm.
Gracheva went 5-4 up but need to break herself and that wasn't forthcoming in the tie with Sabalenka giving her no chance this time on her serve. She took it to Gracheva and broke serve right at the end of the second set.
In the end, she hit form at the right time as she took the second set.
This continued in the deciding set as the resolve of Gracheva was finally ground down by Sabalenka who was ruthless in taking two breaks in the final set before serving it out at 6-2.
Not at her best, but marching on into the third round at the All England Lawn and Tennis Club.
Sabalenka d. Gracheva 2-6 7-5 6-2 at Wimbledon Facing Aryna Power on grass is 1 of the most intimidating tasks in tennis. When she’s at her best on this surface, she’s essentially unbeatable. Well she wasn’t at her best today, & still found a way to win. Tiger Mindset. 🐅❤️
