Swiatek and Rybakina dominate to reach third roundImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Iga Swiatek is only the third woman in the Open era to reach the third round at 26 consecutive Grand Slam events, after Martina Navratilova (35) and Conchita Martinez (30).ByHarry PooleBBC Sport journalist at WimbledonPublished2 July 2026, 15:25 BSTUpdated 46 minutes agoIga Swiatek continued her Wimbledon title defence by overpowering former finalist Karolina Pliskova in a commanding straight-set victory to reach the third round, before former champion Elena Rybakina responded with a dominant display.Polish world number three Swiatek cried on court after battling to a three-set win over Taylor Townsend in her opening match on Tuesday, having found opening play on Centre Court as the reigning champion “really emotional”.
Far more relaxed on her return to action two days later, there was an entirely different feel to this performance as the 25-year-old made a blistering start against 2021 runner-up Pliskova and rarely relented.
“I’m feeling more stable today – and that’s good,” Swiatek told the crowd after completing her 6-1 6-3 victory in 69 minutes.
“The first round was really emotional for sure, but today I felt like it was another day in the office and I needed to be ready, be in charge and make good decisions.
“It is always better when you’re able to think like that and it was a good day for me. I was consistent and I had a good level of focus, so I’m really happy with my performance.”
Rybakina took two minutes longer, but lost one game fewer, as Kazakhstan’s 2022 champion dismantled American Caty McNally 6-1 6-2.
World number two Rybakina was taken to a deciding set by France’s Lois Boisson in her opening match but faced no such complications on Centre Court as she set up a meeting with Belgian 25th seed Elise Mertens.
Not only is Australian Open champion Rybakina seeking to reclaim the Wimbledon title this fortnight, but she also has a chance to replace Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings with a deep run.
Sixth seed Amanda Anisimova, who ousted Sabalenka but then failed to win a single game in last year’s final against Swiatek, survived a scare as she came through a 10-point match tie-break to reach the third round.
Anisimova prevailed 6-2 4-6 7-6 (10-3) against fellow American Sofia Kenin and will next face compatriot Madison Keys, who ended Briton Katie Swan’s tournament.
