Swiatek and Rybakina move through Wimbledon tests with authority

Iga Swiatek is into the third round at Wimbledon after defeating Karolina Pliskova 6-1 6-3. Elena Rybakina also advanced comfortably, beating Caty McNally 6-1 6-2.

Swiatek’s performance was a sharper follow-up to her emotional opening-round win over Taylor Townsend. Against Pliskova, the defending champion started quickly, recovered from brief service dips in both sets, and closed out a match that had looked awkward on paper because of Pliskova’s experience and former finalist status.

Rybakina’s route was similarly direct after a tougher first-round match. The 2022 Wimbledon champion dropped only three games against McNally and is now set to face Elise Mertens, with the report also noting that a deep run could affect the battle for the world number one ranking.

Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Amanda Anisimova survived a three-set contest against Sofia Kenin, winning a deciding match tie-break. She next meets Madison Keys, while Swiatek’s next challenge is Alexandra Eala as the defending champion tries to extend her long run of consistent early-round Grand Slam progress.