Aryna Sabalenka made a commanding start to her Wimbledon 2026 campaign, dispatching teenage qualifier Teodora Kostovic 6-2 6-3 in the first round on Centre Court. The Belarusian top seed hit 22 winners to Kostovic's 10 and faced little resistance in a match that lasted just over an hour.
Kostovic's Bold Claims Fall Flat
Kostovic, making her Grand Slam main-draw debut, had stirred pre-match intrigue by questioning Sabalenka's ability to handle her power. "Let's see if she can deal with my power," the 19-year-old said. "Of course I can beat her. I can beat anybody when I'm in the zone." However, the reality proved starkly different, as Sabalenka's aggressive baseline play overwhelmed the Serbian qualifier from the outset.
Sabalenka's Dominant Start
Sabalenka needed just 15 minutes to race to a 4-0 lead, breaking Kostovic twice in the opening set. The 28-year-old's heavy groundstrokes and serve proved too much for Kostovic, who struggled to find her rhythm. After dropping a set point at 5-1, Sabalenka secured the first set 6-2 with a wide serve that Kostovic could not return.
Kostovic showed improvement in the second set, holding her first two service games and even producing a moment of brilliance with a Sabalenka drop shot that left her staring at her box in bemusement. However, Sabalenka accelerated through the next four games, breaking twice to lead 5-2 and serving for the match.
Late Fightback and Immediate Response
Kostovic fought back, earning her first break points of the match at 5-2 and converting the second with a backhand winner down the line. But Sabalenka responded immediately, breaking back with a crosscourt backhand to set up two match points. She sealed victory with a powerful forehand, blowing kisses to the Centre Court crowd.
Looking Ahead
Sabalenka will next face American McCartney Kessler in the second round. The 28-year-old has reached at least the quarter-finals of every Grand Slam since the 2022 French Open but has yet to make the Wimbledon final, having lost in the semi-finals in each of the last three years. With her dominant form, she will be a strong contender to break that streak.
