Aryna Sabalenka, winner of three Grand Slam singles, is the favorite to win her first Wimbledon title. Sabalenka reached the finals of the Australian Open and the French Open this year, falling to Madison Keys and Coco Gauff,

Top seed Sabalenka was pushed hard by Bouzkova in today’s opening match on Centre Court as her Czech opponent matched fire with fire in a bruising encounter. But she eventually had too much in her locker for her 48th-ranked opponent,

World number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame a tough test to beat Marie Bouzkova 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 and progress to the Wimbledon third round on Wednesday, avoiding the fate of many of her title rivals. A number of top players exited in the first round at the All England Club,