Aryna Sabalenka wins first-round match at Wimbledon

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Serbian qualifier Teodora Kostovic 6-2, 6-3 in the first round at Wimbledon. The world number one was broken while serving for the match but broke back in the next game to close out the victory. Sabalenka said she rated her performance eight out of 10. She noted that Kostovic raised her level in the second set and pushed her during the match.

Background on recent form Sabalenka reached the quarter-finals at the French Open this month before losing after leading 6-3, 4-1. She said she consulted her former sports psychologist following that defeat. The player said experience has helped her manage nerves during matches. She started the match by taking a 4-0 lead before Kostovic won a game in the fifth.

Other first-round results Maja Chwalinska lost to Mananchaya Sawangkaew 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 after slipping on the grass while one point from victory. The Polish player said she was disappointed but would move on from the result. Jessica Pegula defeated Darja Vidmanova 7-5, 6-3.

The American fourth seed said she felt extra motivation after early exits at last year's Wimbledon and this year's French Open. Naomi Osaka and Iva Jovic also advanced to the second round.