Aryna Sabalenka is loving each strident challenge as she moves ever closer to her maiden Wimbledon title, with the world No.1 and big tournament favourite coming through another bracing test on Centre Court to reach the quarter-finals.
After breaking local hearts by knocking out home favourite Emma Raducanu in a rare old battle in the previous round, the top seed again had an uncomfortable outing against her old doubles partner and friend Elise Mertens before prevailing 6-4 7-6 (7-4) on Sunday.
It meant she had booked a last-eight place without yet dropping a set, even though none of her matches so far have been straightforward affairs.
