Wimbledon 2025 Women’s Day 7

Aryna Sabalenka earned a place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals after struggling two days earlier against Emma Raducanu,with the top seed going past Elise Mertens 6-4, 7-6 (4) on Sunday.

The world No. 1 who has played two semi-finals here, ran off a 4-1 lead in the opening set but was pegged back to 4-all by her experienced Belgian opponent ranked 23rd.

Mertens continued to give her seeded rival limited room to maneuver as Sabalenka squeezed out the win on her former doubles partner on a first match point after winning her last 14 tiebreakers.

The top seed noticed a difference in the Centre court ambience.

“Today, I had the crowd on my side,” she said in contrast to her tight win over Raducanu in the third round.

“I’m happy with the performance, it was a battle. She always brings great tennis, so I’m happy for the win.

“It’s tough to play someone quite close, she will fight to the end. She really challenged me today.

Sabalenka will continue her quest at the only major where she has not reached the final as she takes on Laura Siegemund, a 6-3, 6-2 winner over Argentine lucky loser Solana Sierra in a match interrupted by rain.

The German was confident heading into her biggest test of the tournament.

“I expected a very physical match. She’s a great athlete and is moving the ball really well. I served well and was aggressive early in the points. 

“But it was not easy with the on and off of the rain (interrupting play).

“Overall I was super happy with how I managed the tough moments, the small, tough moments in the match.”

Sierra echoed her sentiments: “It was a really tough match,” the South American from qualifying said. “I knew she was really experienced and she has a game that I don’t really like.

“But I have to be really positive for all these days, these weeks that I had. I’m just super happy and proud of these results.”

Anastasia Pavlyucheknova beat Britain’s last hope Sonay Kartal 7-6 (3), 6-4 to make a return to the last eight here nine years after her last appearance, a loss to Serena Williams..

The 34-year-old who missed play this season as she recovered from Lyme disease, “forgave” the Centre court crowd for support of the 51st-ranked local who had never been this far at a major.

“It’s incredible, I always thought I was not good on grass,” said last week’s Eastbourne semi-finalist. “Especially getting older.

“But I’m proud of myself for competing with younger players at this level and at this stage of the tournament.”

Pavlyuchenkova came from a break down late in the opening set, winning it in a tiebreaker. She prevailed after an early exchange of second-set breaks, taking a 3-2 lead which held up until the end.

“My mental toughness is getting better, I used to be crazy sometimes in my head,” she said.

“I managed the match well and stayed focused. I’m so glad I finished with the win.”

Main photo:- Aryna Sabalenka into the Quarter Finals – by Roger Parker ISF Ltd