Aryna Sabalenka Vs Jelena Ostapenko Live Score, Wimbledon 2026: Top Seed's Smart Serving Seals Opening Set

Jelena Ostapenko is finally finding her rhythm, producing a stunning stretched forehand return winner that brings Centre Court to life. But just when it looks like the Latvian could build some momentum, Aryna Sabalenka slams the door shut.

The world No. 1 rattles off four straight points on serve, holding with authority to move 6-4, 5-3 ahead. Sabalenka is now just one game away from booking her place in the fourth round, where a blockbuster showdown with four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka awaits.

Aryna Sabalenka takes the opening set 6-4, and it is her serving that has made the difference so far. The world No. 1 repeatedly found her spots at crucial moments, denying Jelena Ostapenko any sustained momentum. Sabalenka also read Ostapenko's return positioning brilliantly.

The Latvian often shifted across just as the ball was tossed, looking to protect her forehand side, but Sabalenka quickly caught on and began serving into the spaces she left behind. It was an intelligent tactical adjustment, backed by flawless execution, as the top seed claimed a deserved first set.

Aryna Sabalenka is beginning to find her rhythm on Centre Court. The world No. 1 edges ahead 3-2 in the opening set, and right now her sheer power is proving to be the difference. Ostapenko is matching her shot for shot in the rallies, but Sabalenka has just that little extra pace and control when it matters most. Every clean strike from the Belarusian is putting the Latvian under pressure, and if this pattern continues, Sabalenka could start pulling away.

We are underway on Centre Court, and what a start it has been! Aryna Sabalenka is immediately tested on serve as Jelena Ostapenko earns the first break point of the match with a stunning return off the Belarusian's second serve. But the world No. 1 responds like a champion.

Sabalenka fires a brilliant forehand winner that clips the sideline, leaving Ostapenko shaking her head in disbelief, before sealing the game with a thumping ace. After an early scare, Sabalenka holds firm to level the opening set at 1-1.

Live streaming of Wimbledon 2026 will be available on JioHotstar in India. The tournament will also be telecast live on the Star Sports Network TV channels.

Hello, and welcome back to our live blog covering the Wimbledon 2026 ladies’ singles third-round clash between Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka and Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko on Friday, 3 July at Centre Court, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Stay tuned for live updates as this high-voltage encounter unfolds.