Sabalenka Sees Off Bouzkova To Reach Third Round At Big W

Women's No. 1, men's defending champion Alcaraz won their Round 2 matches in straight sets

- Shahid Judge

MUMBAI: A question in the on-court interview mentioned the carnage that has been taking place in the early rounds of Wimbledon. Of the 64 seeded players in the men's and women's singles draws, a whopping 23 were handed a first-round defeat.

Aryna Sabalenka was asked on Wednesday if she pays any attention at all to the results around her. "It's very sad to see so many top players lose in the first round," said the world No. 1. "As the time shows, you better focus on yourself and stay away from the results. Of course, you're going to know the overall picture, but it's better to take it one step at a time and do your best every time you're here competing."

She broke into a smile before adding, almost as an afterthought: "I hope there are no upsets anymore in this tournament. If you know what I mean."

The Belarusian is playing at Wimbledon as the top seed for the first time. And though a lot of the seeded stars have struggled on the grass courts of the All England Club, Sabalenka looked relaxed as she beat world No. 48 Marie Bouzkova 7-6(4), 6-4 on Centre Court.