LONDON — Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 3 and two-time Grand Slam champion, survived a major scare at Wimbledon on Monday, battling past Germany’s Laura Siegemund in a tense three-set thriller. After the match, the Belarusian star couldn’t resist a playful jab at her rivals, quipping, "Are you kidding me? Nobody can trouble me with their slice!" as she reflected on her hard-fought victory.
Sabalenka, known for her explosive power and aggressive baseline game, found herself tested by Siegemund’s crafty slice-heavy tactics. The German veteran, ranked No. 71, pushed the second seed to the brink in a grueling first-round encounter that lasted over two hours. Despite the challenge, Sabalenka ultimately prevailed 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, showcasing her trademark resilience under pressure.
A Slippery Start for Sabalenka
The match began ominously for Sabalenka, who struggled to adapt to Siegemund’s low, skidding slices on Wimbledon’s slick grass courts. The German’s unorthodox style disrupted Sabalenka’s rhythm early, forcing her into uncharacteristic errors. "I felt like I was playing against a wall," Sabalenka admitted in her post-match press conference. "She kept everything so low, and I couldn’t find my timing."
Despite the early struggles, Sabalenka’s raw power eventually shone through. She broke Siegemund’s serve late in the first set, sealing it with a thunderous forehand winner. However, the momentum shifted in the second set as Siegemund’s relentless defense and tactical variety paid off. The German broke twice to level the match, leaving the Centre Court crowd buzzing with anticipation.
Turning the Tide in the Decider
The third set was a rollercoaster, with both players trading breaks early. Sabalenka, however, dug deep when it mattered most, unleashing a barrage of winners to pull ahead 4-2. Siegemund refused to go quietly, saving two match points on her own serve before Sabalenka finally closed out the match with a blistering ace. "I knew I had to stay patient and trust my game," Sabalenka said. "Grass isn’t my favorite surface, but I’m learning to adapt."
Key Moments of the Match
Sabalenka’s victory was far from straightforward, with several pivotal moments defining the contest:
- First-set breakthrough: Sabalenka’s crucial break at 5-4, sealed with a forehand winner down the line.
- Siegemund’s second-set resurgence: The German’s tactical mastery, using slices and drop shots to neutralize Sabalenka’s power.
- Third-set dominance: Sabalenka’s aggressive returns and clutch serving under pressure.
Sabalenka’s Playful Post-Match Banter
Never one to shy away from humor, Sabalenka lightened the mood after the match, teasing her rivals about their slice-heavy strategies. "I mean, come on, guys! If you think slicing me to death is the way to beat me, you’re kidding yourselves," she joked with a grin. "I’ve faced the best slicers in the world, and I’m still here!"
Her comments drew laughter from reporters, but they also underscored her growing confidence on grass. Though clay and hard courts remain her strongest surfaces, Sabalenka has made significant strides at Wimbledon, reaching the semifinals in 2021 and 2023. "Every year, I feel more comfortable here," she added. "Maybe one day, I’ll lift that trophy."
What’s Next for Sabalenka?
With the first-round scare behind her, Sabalenka will face Russian qualifier Erika Andreeva in the second round. Andreeva, the younger sister of rising star Mirra Andreeva, is known for her tenacity but lacks the experience to trouble Sabalenka if the Belarusian brings her A-game. "I’m not looking past anyone," Sabalenka cautioned. "But I’m here to win, and I’ll fight for every point."
The match highlighted both Sabalenka’s vulnerabilities and her champion mentality. While her game isn’t perfectly suited to grass, her power and mental toughness make her a formidable contender. As she quipped post-match, "If you want to beat me, you’ll have to do better than just slicing!"—a warning to her rivals as she eyes a deep run at SW19.
For now, Sabalenka remains one of the favorites in a wide-open women’s draw. With defending champion Markéta Vondroušová already out and top seed Iga Świątek struggling on grass, the door is ajar for Sabalenka to claim her first Wimbledon title. "I’m here to prove I can win on any surface," she declared. "And trust me, I’m just getting started."