ARYNA SABALENKA breezed into the second week of Wimbledon after winning a scrap that could never have happened 12 months ago.
The controversial ban on Belarusians and Russians competing at the 2022 event would have made this third-round meeting between Sabalenka and Anna Blinkova an absolute non-starter.
No such problems yesterday, though, as the Court One crowd watched second seed Sabalenka, from Belarus capital Minsk, dispatch her Moscow rival in straight sets.
And after her 6-2 6-3 victory in 1hr 21mins, smiling Sabalenka paid tribute to the fans for providing such a warm reception.
The reigning Australian champion beamed: "I am super happy I was able to win it and thanks for all the support and the atmosphere out there.
"The fans make this very special." And she then went on to describe why she loves this Grand Slam more than any other.
この記事は Irish Sunday Mirror の July 09, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Irish Sunday Mirror の July 09, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Euros are in sights
DOM EYEING MASSIVE TARGET
A BLANK SLATE
Roy's back on board in predictable stalemate
Jesus backing a Brazil pal to strike it Rich
GABRIEL JESUS loved seeing Brazil team-mate Richarlison put his off-the-field troubles behind him with his first Prem goal of the season for Tottenham last weekend
CASE DISMISSED
Poch: I've got to prove in the Prem same goes for Unai
OZ-SOME!
Kyra: Atmosphere felt like World Cup all over again
Kid Elliott doesn't do things by Hary's
A SENIOR RED AT 20... HELPING NEW STARS TO DO IT ‘THE LIVERPOOL WAY’
I FEAR WE'LL NEVER GET JUSTICE FOR STUART NOW
Brother of Barrymore pool riddle man after death of doc who botched probe
LETBY GETS FAN MAIL FROM SICK GHOULS
Fury as weirdos write to serial killer in jail
CATCH MARTIN'S 1-PUNCH KILLER
Family's 'heartbreak intensified because attacker is still at large
Brand drama school urges ex-pupils to speak up over groping claims
Comedian accused of touching girls beneath his 'cloak of love'
