Kartal Pushes Pavlyuchenkova to the Limit but Falls Short
On Centre Court, Britain’s Sonay Kartal, ranked No. 51 and unseeded, put in a gutsy performance against seasoned Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, ranked No. 50 and also unseeded, but ultimately bowed out 6–7, 4–6 in just over two hours. Kartal came into this match with home support roaring behind her and a reputation for big serving, and her 6 aces showed why.
Kartal kept the first set finely balanced, trading breaks and pushing it into a tiebreak where Pavlyuchenkova’s experience came through. The Russian’s relentless aggression was evident in her 36 winners compared to Kartal’s 14, although the Brit cleverly minimized her unforced errors in key moments.
In the second set, Kartal again clung on, showing resilience by saving break points and capitalizing on Pavlyuchenkova’s double faults. But Pavlyuchenkova’s ability to dominate pressure points (winning 60% of them) swung the match in her favor.
Even though Kartal covered more ground and held her nerve on serve (winning 55% of her service games), Pavlyuchenkova’s more decisive return game and slightly better serving ultimately decided the match. This win propels Pavlyuchenkova into her first Wimbledon quarterfinal since 2021, and her tactical nous continues to shine.
For Kartal, despite the loss, her calm demeanor and big-stage composure mark her as a player to watch going forward.
Noskova and Anisimova Serve up a Thriller
On Court 1, No. 15 seed Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic and unseeded American Amanda Anisimova delivered one of the most exciting matches of the day. Anisimova prevailed 6–2, 5–7, 6–4 in another two-hour epic filled with booming serves and gutsy rallies.
Anisimova started strong, taking the first set with 71% first-serve points won and showcasing her aggressive style (overall) with 36 winners. Noskova, however, fought back in the second set, tightening her service games and upping her net success rate to claw back to 1–1.
In the decider, Anisimova’s calm under pressure stood out. Despite Noskova hammering down 11 aces and staying competitive on the baseline, the American’s superior second-serve return game (winning 57% of those points) broke the Czech’s resistance.
Both players displayed similar physical intensity — Noskova even covered more distance on court — but Anisimova’s ability to win crucial return games (33% compared to Noskova’s 20%) swung the contest her way.
Anisimova is now into her first Wimbledon quarterfinal since 2019, and her poise at the net (winning 88% of net points) suggests she’s building serious momentum. She will need to get past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the next round.
Sabalenka Survives Mertens’ Challenge
On No. 2 Court, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced off against Belgium’s Elise Mertens, seeded No. 23, in a high-quality contest that the Belarusian won 6–4, 7–6. Sabalenka continues her march toward what would be a maiden Wimbledon title.
Sabalenka started aggressively, winning an impressive 84% of her first-serve points and hitting 13 winners, overwhelming Mertens in the opening set. Her serve — delivering 3 aces — set the tone.
Mertens, however, was far from a passive opponent. The Belgian fought hard in the second set, pushing it to a tiebreak thanks to her clutch play on break points (saving 63% of them) and a resilient return game.
Sabalenka, though, displayed why she’s ranked No. 1: winning the majority of crucial points under pressure and taking 3 return games to Mertens’ 2. Her dominance at the net and superior baseline power made the difference in key rallies.
With this victory, Sabalenka maintains her status as the clear favorite for the title.
Siegemund Silences Sierra with Surgical Efficiency
On Court 3, Germany’s Laura Siegemund, unseeded and ranked No. 104 before Wimbledon, delivered a near-clinical dismantling of Argentina’s Sorana Sierra, winning 6–3, 6–2 in just 83 minutes. Siegemund’s all-court game and tactical versatility were on full display.
Siegemund dominated the opening set with an astonishing 83% first-serve percentage and superior placement, which flustered Sierra into making 29 unforced errors. The German’s ability to mix speeds and angles left her opponent chasing shadows.
The second set saw more of the same. Siegemund broke Sierra’s serve five times in total and won an impressive 56% of return games. Her defensive skills forced Sierra to take risks, which resulted in errors.
Notably, Siegemund’s net play was a key differentiator: she won 67% of her net points and kept rallies short, conserving energy. Her mental focus, particularly on break points, allowed her to win 64% of pressure points — double Sierra’s rate.
This emphatic win not only sends Siegemund into her first Wimbledon quarterfinal but also underscores her unique skill set, which thrives on grass. All at an age of 37.
Final Thoughts
Day 1 of the Wimbledon Round of 16 delivered everything fans hoped for — big names holding steady, underdogs making their mark, and matches full of grit and quality. Sabalenka and Anisimova impressed with their power; Pavlyuchenkova and Siegemund showed their craft.
Tomorrow, the remaining half of the women’s Round of 16 promises even more drama. Stay tuned as the battle for the Venus Rosewater Dish intensifies.