Top-Seed Sabalenka Reaches Wimbledon Quarterfinals, Faces Siegemund

Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and top seed at Wimbledon 2025, defeated her former doubles partner Elise Mertens 6-4, 7-6(4) to advance to the quarterfinals. Sabalenka has dominated their rivalry, having won 10 of their 12 meetings, and maintained her strong form by not dropping a set at the tournament so far. Despite an early 4-1 lead, Sabalenka faced a tough challenge as Mertens fought back, pushing the second set to a tiebreak where Sabalenka's resilience and precision secured her victory. This marks Sabalenka's 11th consecutive major quarterfinal appearance, a streak only surpassed by Serena Williams since 2000. Sabalenka praised Mertens as a strong competitor and friend, acknowledging the difficulty of playing against someone close. She will next face 37-year-old Laura Siegemund, who recently upset Madison Keys, as Sabalenka chases her first Wimbledon title.