World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka wins with ease

In the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles first round, top seed Aryna Sabalenka took care of business in straight sets. The world No. 1 produced a superior performance on grass against her unseeded opponent Teodora Kostović, winning the match 6-2, 6-3 to book her place in the second round of the main draw. The contest lasted just 1 hour and 4 minutes.

In the first set, Aryna Sabalenka gave her opponent little room with her aggressive groundstrokes and strong serve. Testing Kostović's service games repeatedly with the pressure she created on return, the Belarusian took the set 6-2 to go ahead and seize control of the match from the outset.

In the second set, Kostović raised her resistance somewhat but not enough to change the picture. Continuing her game on the strength of her serve, Aryna Sabalenka gave her opponent no opening at the key moments and took the set 6-3 to close the match out in straight sets. The statistics show the Belarusian's edge in winners produced and in serving efficiency shaped the course of the match; her high success rate on first-serve points won stood out in particular.

Taking the court as one of the tournament's biggest favorites, this win was an encouraging, energy-saving start for Aryna Sabalenka. Getting through the first round of a Grand Slam quickly and in straight sets is an important advantage for the rounds ahead. Regarded as one of the contenders on grass, the Belarusian will aim to maintain her edge in the second round too. Continuing on her path at the tournament, Aryna Sabalenka keeps her title bid alive.

By the numbers (Sabalenka-Kostović): Score 6-2, 6-3 · Winners 22-10 · Unforced errors 11-16 · Break points won 5/11 - 1/2 · 1st serve points won 83%-59% · 2nd serve points won 55%-32% · Time 1:04

Image: BBC