Belarusian Arina Sabalenka during the second round match against McCartney Kessler from the USA | Photo credit: Reuters
There is no doubt that “Rocky” fan Aryna Sabalenka has the “Eye of the Tiger”, as she demonstrated on Wednesday (July 1, 2026) when her “survival instincts” kicked in to beat American McCartney Kessler 6-1 7-6(9) in a convincing second-round encounter at Wimbledon.
Sabalenka, who has a tiger tattoo on her left forearm, was on top during a one-sided first set, but by the time Kessler stormed to a 5-2 lead in the second, Sabalenka’s thigh was beginning to feel the full force of its disappointment as she continued to hit it in anger after every missed opportunity.
Kessler, the only player to reach the second round this year without losing a game, appeared to be on the cusp of taking the four-time Grand Slam champion into the third set as she had two set points at 5-3 and two more in the tiebreaker.
But each time Sabalenka’s stronger hitting and experience came to the Belarusian’s aid and she made sure her bid to win a first major title away from the hard courts remained on track when she finally converted her third match point.
Sabalenka landed a forehand winner to win a record 21st straight tiebreak, ending a thrilling contest in an hour and 39 minutes.
“It was a really great fight and level in the second set from her and she really tested me today. I’m really happy to pass this test,” the relieved top seed said.
“She played incredible and super aggressive and it was really hard for me to get through the second set and I’m glad I made it through.”
With Wimbledon the only major tournament where she has yet to play a final, Sabalenka will be hoping for another knockout when she meets Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko for a place in the round of 16.
However, unlike Naomi Osaka’s Kill Bill-inspired kimono that was a highlight at Wimbledon, fans shouldn’t expect Sabalenka to follow suit with a Rocky-themed ensemble.
“I don’t know how I would dress… going out to a match with boxing gloves or something like that would be difficult,” she added to roars of laughter.
Published – Jul 1, 2026 11:24 pm EST.