10
- Aryna Sabalenka, the tournament’s top seed, faces Belgian No. 24 seed Elise Mertens in the fourth round. This marks her first match against a ranked opponent after cruising through three rounds without dropping a set.
- Despite her dominant form, Sabalenka remains grounded. “This win doesn’t mean I’m going to win the tournament… it’s all about challenging yourself,” she emphasized.
- Mertens brings a personal challenge—she’s 0–9 against Sabalenka—and aims to break that streak and reach her maiden Wimbledon quarter-final .
Alcaraz vs Rublev — Defending Champion’s Stiffest Test
- Carlos Alcaraz, two-time defending men’s champion and seeded No. 2, takes on Andrey Rublev, the 14th seed, in his first seeded matchup of the tournament.
- With a narrow 2–1 H2H advantage on other surfaces, this will be their first meeting on grass. Both players expect a high-stakes clash—Alcaraz acknowledges Rublev’s power and aggression.
- Rublev, buoyed by confidence, said he entered the tournament without expectations but now feels his level is high, setting up a “really interesting” contest .
What to Watch
- Mental edges: Both Sabalenka and Alcaraz must transition from early-round tunes into serious battles, adjusting focus and intensity for the first seeded tests.
- Historical context: Sabalenka remains the lone top-five women’s seed, navigating a draw filled with surprising exits.
- Match conditions: These center-court encounters promise high drama, with momentum swings and pressure to perform under the roof.
What’s at Stake
- Sabalenka seeks her elusive first Wimbledon title and a potentially smoother path amid early upsets of other top contenders.
- Alcaraz pursues a third straight Wimbledon crown; a win over Rublev would mark a decisive shift from early-round caution to championship mindset.
As the tournament enters the deep rounds, these matches mark the real beginning of the 2025 Wimbledon campaign for its leading contenders. Expect intense rallies, tactical battles, and high drama—this is where champions emerge.
