Sabalenka relies on survival instincts to tame Kessler

Aryna Sabalenka's love-hate relationship with Wimbledon's slick turf was once again on display before her ​survival instincts kicked in as the Belarusian subdued American ‌McCartney Kessler 6-1 7-6(9) in the second round on Wednesday.

The world number one definitely loved the way the first set went ​but by the time Kessler had stormed to a ​5-2 lead in the second, Sabalenka's thigh started ⁠to feel the full force of her frustration as ​she kept slapping it in anger after every missed opportunity.

Kessler, ​the only player to have reached the second round this year without dropping a game, appeared to be on the cusp of ​dragging Sabalenka into a third set as she had ​two set points at 5-3 and another two in the tiebreak.

But each ‌time, ⁠Sabalenka's greater weight of shot, and experience, came to the Belarusian's rescue and she made sure her bid to win a first Grand Slam title away from hard courts ​stayed on ​track as she ⁠finally converted her third match point to end a compelling duel after one hour ​39 minutes.

"She really tested me today and ​I am ⁠super happy to pass the test," the relieved top seed, who will next face Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko, said.

"She played incredible ⁠and ​played super aggressive and it was ​really tough to handle the second set and I am glad to ​have powered through."