Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the third round of Wimbledon 2026 after a hard-fought victory over McCartney Kessler. The clash saw Sabalenka, the tournament’s No. 1 seed, dominate the opening set before facing a fierce challenge in the second.
Sabalenka started with authority, cruising to a 6-1 win in the first set. However, Kessler, ranked No. 57 in the world, responded with a strategic shift that turned the momentum. By attacking the net aggressively and winning 11 of 15 points there, Kessler established a commanding 5-2 lead in the second set.
Aryna Sabalenka Survives Kessler “Test” to Extend Wimbledon Run
Despite Kessler’s assertive play, Sabalenka’s powerful game proved decisive. She rallied to save two set points on Kessler’s serve at 5-3, demonstrating resilience and composure under pressure. This comeback forced a tense tiebreaker, where Sabalenka ultimately prevailed.
The match highlighted Sabalenka’s ability to adapt and withstand an opponent’s surge, ensuring her progression at one of tennis’ most prestigious tournaments.