Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and a force of nature on the WTA tour, continued her relentless charge toward a maiden Wimbledon title by defeating her former doubles partner Elise Mertens in a gripping fourth-round clash on July 6, 2025. The Belarusian secured a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6(4) victory on Centre Court, advancing to her 11th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal—a streak only surpassed by Serena Williams in the last 25 years. The match, a showcase of power and resilience, was more than just a professional duel for Sabalenka, who shares a deep bond with Mertens from their successful doubles partnership, including Grand Slam titles at the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open. After the match, Sabalenka offered heartfelt praise for Mertens, calling her “a great player and great person” whose competitive spirit pushed her to the limit. “It’s always difficult to play against somebody you know very well,” Sabalenka said. “Elise is an amazing player and an amazing person. She pushed me hard today, and I’m extremely pleased to be through.”
Sabalenka’s path to the quarterfinals has been a masterclass in consistency. The 27-year-old, who missed Wimbledon 2024 due to a shoulder injury, arrived at the All England Club in top form, having claimed three titles this season, including WTA 1000 events in Miami and Madrid. Her third-round win over British star Emma Raducanu, a tight 7-6(6), 6-4 battle, showcased her ability to handle pressure from a home favorite. Against Mertens, Sabalenka started strong, racing to a 4-1 lead with her signature aggressive baseline game, landing 36 winners and just 18 unforced errors. But Mertens, ranked No. 24, refused to go quietly. The Belgian, fresh off an upset over 14th seed Elina Svitolina, leveled the first set at 4-4 with crafty drop shots and solid serving. “I am super happy with the performance,” Sabalenka said. “It was a battle. I was happy to get this win.”
Mertens’ resilience shone in the second set, where she broke Sabalenka’s serve to lead 3-1, capitalizing on a rare dip in the top seed’s first-serve percentage. Her forehand was electric, and she mixed slices and net play to keep Sabalenka on her toes. Yet, Sabalenka’s clutch play prevailed, as she clawed back to force a tiebreak, where a crisp forehand volley sealed the match. “Everything is possible,” Sabalenka told the Centre Court crowd, who have embraced her dynamic style. “I am just trying to give my best and really hope for the best.” Her words reflected not only her ambition to claim the Venus Rosewater Dish but also her gratitude for the fans’ growing support, a contrast to the partisan cheers for Raducanu in the previous round. “First of all, guys, it feels so good to feel all the support, you know,” she said with a smile. “I feel like today I got you on my side, right? Thank you guys for the support.”
The history between Sabalenka and Mertens adds layers to their rivalry. Sabalenka holds a commanding 10-2 head-to-head lead, including nine straight wins, with their only grass-court meeting in 2018 at Eastbourne going her way. Despite the lopsided record, Mertens’ versatility—honed by her grass-court title at the Libéma Open earlier this year—made this encounter a true test. “She’s one of the greatest players that we have and one of the most aggressive also,” said Mertens’ next opponent, Laura Siegemund, highlighting the challenge of facing Sabalenka. For Mertens, the match was a career highlight at Wimbledon, even in defeat. “The match was tougher than the score suggests,” Mertens reflected, underscoring her ability to challenge the world’s best despite the loss.
Now, Sabalenka faces world No. 104 Laura Siegemund, the oldest woman to reach a Wimbledon quarterfinal at 37. Sabalenka’s dream of a first Wimbledon title feels within reach, especially in a draw where she’s the only top-six seed remaining. “It’s such a beautiful tournament. I’ve always dreamed of winning it,” she said. “Every time I’m on this court, I’m trying to bring my best tennis.” Her bond with Mertens, forged through shared doubles triumphs, made the victory bittersweet, but Sabalenka’s focus remains razor-sharp. With her powerful serve, averaging 3.28 aces per match, and unmatched baseline aggression, she’s poised to continue her historic run, carrying the weight of expectations and the warmth of a friendship that transcends the court.
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