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Sabalenka storms into quarters as Alcaraz braces for Rublev test
Khaleej Times
|July 07, 2025
Aryna Sabalenka overcame a battling Elise Mertens to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals on Sunday as Carlos Alcaraz geared up for a tricky test against volatile Russian Andrey Rublev.
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World number one Sabalenka has yet to drop a set in four rounds at the All England Club as every other top six seed has fallen, but was given a tough workout by Belgian world number 23 Mertens.
The Belarusian came through 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) against her former doubles partner under the closed roof on Centre Court to set up a clash against Germany's Laura Siegemund.
The three-time Grand Slam champion is making up for lost time after missing last year's Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury. She was excluded in 2022 as part of a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
"With your support guys I think everything is possible," said Sabalenka, who has never been beyond the semifinals at the All England Club. "I don't know. It's such a beautiful tournament. I always dreamed of winning it. Every time I'm here I'm trying to give my best and really hope for the best."
This story is from the July 07, 2025 edition of Khaleej Times.
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