Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run at Wimbledon on Sunday, defeating former doubles partner Elise Mertens 6‑4, 7‑6(4) to reach the quarter-finals thetimes.co.uk+15theguardian.com+15tennismajors.com+15. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, delivered her 11th consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final appearance, overcoming a spirited challenge from the Belgian.

In the first set, Sabalenka built a crucial break at 4‑1 and maintained control to close it out 6‑4. The second set proved tighter, with Mertens rallying to trail only 3‑1. Under pressure, Sabalenka regained momentum and sealed the set in a tense tiebreak, executing a decisive forehand volley to clinch victory reuters.com.

Sabalenka’s performance featured 36 winners and just 18 unforced errors—illustrating her ability to deliver high-quality tennis under pressure irishtimes.com+1theguardian.com+1. After the match, she praised Mertens as a “tough and intelligent opponent,” noting the challenge of facing a close friend thetimes.co.uk+15theguardian.com+15reuters.com+15.

Her next opponent will be 37‑year‑old Laura Siegemund, who secured a surprise win over Solana Sierra 6‑3, 6‑2. Siegemund becomes the oldest first-time quarter-finalist in Wimbledon’s Open era reuters.com+9theguardian.com+9espn.com+9.

Sabalenka acknowledged her growing belief and enthusiasm for winning her maiden Wimbledon title, pointing to her unwavering determination and powerful serve as key assets on grass theguardian.com+3tennismajors.com+3theguardian.co