Arnya Sabalenka expressed her disappointment at witnessing numerous top seeds being eliminated early in the Wimbledon tournament. After securing a hard-fought victory over Marie Bouzkova with a score of 7-6(4), 6-4, she advanced to the third round. During her post-match interview, the world No. 1 acknowledged the upset nature of the tournament, stating, “Honestly, it’s very sad to see so many top players lose in the first round. But you’ve got to focus on yourself.”
Sabalenka’s match with Bouzkova on the renowned Centre Court was anything but straightforward. The talented Czech player played exceptionally, initially leading 5-6 in the opening set against the reigning champion. Despite the tense situation, Sabalenka remained resilient and dispelled the pressure, showcasing her strength and skill throughout the encounter.
The match commenced with Sabalenka displaying an aggressive serve, albeit encountering a few missteps including a double fault. Nonetheless, she maintained her composure and held her serve to take the first game. Bouzkova, undeterred, responded impressively in her opening service game, reaching a 40-0 lead. However, Sabalenka countered with a brilliant drop shot followed by a forceful smash to deuce the game. Bouzkova ultimately held her serve, granting the players a 1-2 scoreline by the change of ends.
A moment of concern arose during Bouzkova’s second service game when Sabalenka slipped awkwardly after being wrong-footed, but she quickly regained her footing without injury. Sabalenka continued to hold serve effectively, showing signs of pressure on Bouzkova’s service. Ultimately, a powerful return and hard-hitting forehand brought Sabalenka to a competitive 30-30, but Bouzkova managed to hold yet again, levelling the game at 3-3.
Demonstrating her formidable baseline power, Sabalenka regularly pushed Bouzkova to deuce. However, it was Bouzkova’s high backhand volley and her pinpoint serve that consistently thwarted Sabalenka’s attempts to break. As the match progressed, Sabalenka took the lead with a strong hold to 5-4, placing Bouzkova in the precarious position of needing to hold serve to extend the set.
In what marked a critical turning point, Sabalenka faltered while serving at 5-5, falling behind 15-40. Bouzkova capitalized on this moment, earning the first break points of the match. A double fault from Sabalenka allowed Bouzkova to break serve, which intensified the stakes. Determined to respond, Sabalenka conjured a delicate drop shot and ferocious backhand to create another break opportunity. However, a misplayed backhand led to another deuce.
The tension reached its peak, but Sabalenka ultimately mounted a comeback, breaking back with a commanding low shot. The first set concluded in a tiebreaker, with Sabalenka prevailing after Bouzkova’s commendable effort. “That was a tough moment of the match [going a break down late in the first set]. I was just trying to put the ball back on that side and hope I could break back,” she reflected in her post-match comments.
The second set commenced with Bouzkova demonstrating her grit by winning her initial service game, yet Sabalenka responded swiftly. Both players exhibited dazzling tennis skills, with Sabalenka’s ferocity contrasting Bouzkova’s resilience. However, in a pivotal third service game, Bouzkova faltered as Sabalenka relentlessly pressed, ultimately earning a break opportunity that she converted with ease.
With the momentum squarely on her side, Sabalenka surged ahead, taking a 4-2 lead and finding herself in firm command. Although Bouzkova managed to maintain her resolve and kept the score competitive, Sabalenka’s impressive serving proved insurmountable. The match ended with Sabalenka advancing confidently, underscoring not only her status as a tournament favorite but also her relentless drive and determination to clinch victory. Viewers can catch the singles finals and other highlights on TNT Sports and discovery+.
