By
SABC Sport
1st July 2026
The world number one looked to have early afternoon as she cruised in the opening set but Kessler showed her fighting prowess to a grip in the second.
The American appeared to be dragging her higher ranked opponent into a deciding set but each time the power and more experience of Sabalenka prevailed.
"Incredible level in the second set from her," Sabalenka said in her on-court interview. "She really tested me today, and I'm really happy to pass the test.
"She really stepped in, she played super aggressive. It felt like whatever decisions she would make, it would work for her."
She will next face former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko, who delivered a near-flawless performance to dismiss Antonia Ruzic 6-2, 6-0 in just 66 minutes.
