Wimbledon 2023: Reigning champion Elena Rybakina overpowers Alize Cornet to set up Katie Boulter clash

Defending Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina continued her title defence with a straight-sets win over Alize Cornet to set up a tantalising third-round tie against Katie Boulter. Rybakina landed four aces and 35 winners in a commanding performance as she claimed a 6-2 7-6(2) victory in one hour and 47 minutes.

Ad However, an unforced error count of 40 underlined that she didn't have things her own way, particularly during a second set that she edged after Cornet fell heavily just before the tie-break. Wimbledon'Nervous' Rybakina recovers to start Wimbledon defence with win over Rogers04/07/2023 AT 14:29 The third seed faces a tricky test next against Nottingham champion and British No.

1 Boulter, who defeated Viktoriya Tomova earlier on Thursday to the delight of the home support. «Of course I understand the crowd won't be on my side this time, but hopefully it's going to be a good match and everybody enjoys it,» said Rybakina.

Cornet developed a reputation as a giant-killer last year when she earned a stunning victory over top seed Iga Swiatek to end the Polish sensation’s record 37-match unbeaten run. But another upset never looked on the cards on Centre Court as she was overpowered by the big-hitting third seed from Kazakhstan.

Broady stuns Ruud to delight Centre Court crowd as Boulter battles through Svitolina downs Mertens to set up Kenin clash at Wimbledon ‘Don’t tell me the score!’ – Wawrinka hoping to set record straight against Djokovic Rybakina started fast, losing just two points in the first three games as she broke Cornet either side of a pair of holds for a 3-0 lead. The 33-year-old from France then got on the board, but couldn’t make any progress as she ended set one having won just one point against the