World number one Aryna Sabalenka subdued American McCartney Kessler 6-1, 7-6(9) in the second round of Wimbledon.
Sabalenka dominated the first set but faced a determined Kessler, who stormed to a 5-2 lead in the second. Frustration mounted for the top seed, who repeatedly slapped her thigh in anger.
Kessler, who entered the match without dropping a game in the tournament, held two set points at 5-3 and another two in the tiebreak. Each time, Sabalenka’s superior power and experience rescued her. She converted her third match point to close out the duel in one hour and 39 minutes.
“She really tested me today and I am super happy to pass the test,” Sabalenka said. She next faces Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko.