WIMBLEDON -- Aryna Sabalenka is making waves at Wimbledon, building on her incredible journey since clinching her first Grand Slam title at the US Open nearly six years ago. The superstar, known for her sheer force in the singles game, has already bagged three major championships and is on the verge of a year at the top of the PIF WTA Rankings.

A Riveting Victory Against Mertens

In a thrilling fourth-round match, Sabalenka triumphed over her long-time rival, Elise Mertens, winning 6-4, 7-6 (4). This victory marks her 11th win over Mertens in their 13 singles encounters, showcasing how her past partnership in doubles has sharpened her competitive edge.

Heady Stats Fueling Sabalenka's Momentum

With an impressive display, Sabalenka smashed six aces and won 32 of her 38 first-serve points. Although both players racked up 18 unforced errors, Sabalenka's 36 winners far outshone Mertens.’ Now, she prepares to face 37-year-old Laura Siegemund on Tuesday in the quarterfinals.

Record-Breaking Streaks and Historic Milestones

Sabalenka has not only reached the quarterfinals in her first three Grand Slam appearances as World No. 1—an achievement last seen with Lindsay Davenport—but she’s also boasting a stellar tiebreak record of 16-1 this season, tying Sloane Stephens' long-standing streak. Impressively, she’s yet to drop a set in the first four rounds of these championships, a feat accomplished by only three women in the past 30 years.

Support from Fans Fuels Sabalenka's Drive

Sporting chic Wimbledon green nails, Sabalenka is riding a wave of momentum that has seen her reach at least the quarterfinals in her last ten Grand Slam tournaments. After defeating Emma Raducanu in her last round, she felt the enthusiastic support from the crowd. "I definitely felt all the support today. I didn't have to pretend that they were cheering for me," she shared with excitement.

Mertens: A Tough Competitor

Despite her loss, Mertens remains a formidable opponent at 29, having recently won the Libema Open. Her career record at Wimbledon stands at 15-7, and she is known for her aggressive play and sharp net skills. In their match, the players exchanged breaks of serve in a tense first set before Sabalenka seized the momentum.

A Game of Precision and Power

The pivotal moments came down to Sabalenka's powerful returns and her ability to elevate her game when it mattered most, especially during the tiebreak of the second set. A stunning backhand winner sealed her victory, leaving Mertens grappling for answers.

The Dream of Championship Glory

Mertens, still seeking her dream of lifting a Grand Slam trophy, reflected on her aspirations. "It's always been my dream. I hope that one day I can experience that and we can talk about if it's the same as I dreamed," she said pensively. In the meantime, Sabalenka continues to forge her path towards what she hopes will be another unforgettable Wimbledon triumph.