Aryna Sabalenka survives Kessler test and extends record tiebreak run at Wimbledon

Aryna Sabalenka came through a far sterner examination than the scoreline suggests to reach the third round at Wimbledon, the world No. 1 recovering from 5-2 down in the second set and saving four set points to beat McCartney Kessler 6-1, 7-6(9) on Court 1.

The top seed, cruising after a one-sided opening set, was pegged back by an inspired stretch from the American before holding her nerve in a marathon tiebreak. In doing so she extended one of the sport’s more remarkable records: a 21st consecutive Grand Slam tiebreak win, an Open Era best.

She was clear about the source of her composure. “I trust my shots on the tiebreak. I’m kind of free,” she said. “The way you start it is most likely the way it’s going to go. Staying aggressive really helps me get these incredible stats.” The outward calm, she admitted, is a front. “I’m glad from the outside it looks like I’m really calm,” she said. “Inside I’m like, okay, please get this point.”

Sabalenka, a three-time semi-finalist still seeking a first Wimbledon title, welcomed the challenge. “She really stepped in and forced me to raise my level,” she said of Kessler. “I’m happy I was able to pass this test. Never heard anyone complain about winning 6-love, 6-love, but sometimes to be tested early is really helpful.”

Sometimes I feel like I’m a small cat getting to the ball.

Asked about the slips and falls that have marked the opening days – including Jannik Sinner’s alarming tumble – Sabalenka said she actively avoids sliding. “One wrong move and you can twist your ankle,” she said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m a small cat getting to the ball.” Sinner’s fall had lingered. “That hip crack was really loud,” she said. “Sometimes it stays in the back of my mind.”

She also revealed a mantra drawn from Rafael Nadal’s documentary. “He said, the only thing you can control is your focus and motivation,” she said. “Now during matches, whenever things go wrong, I tell myself that. It was very strong.”

Sabalenka next faces former Roland-Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko for a place in the last 16.