Aryna Sabalenka credits mental strength after reaching Wimbledon Open last 16

LONDON: World number one Aryna Sabalenka hailed her mental resilience after overcoming Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon here at Center Court on Friday, where she will face former world number one Naomi Osaka.

Sabalenka delivered a composed performance, defeating the Latvian 6-4, 6-4 to maintain her bid for a first Wimbledon title.

Despite Ostapenko's relentless power, the Belarusian remained calm in the crucial moments and closed out the contest in one hour and 32 minutes.

Reflecting on her triumph, Sabalenka said the match was decided by composure rather than power.

"I'd say in these kind of matches there is a few key moments of the match," Sabalenka said afterwards.

"I feel like it's all mental part of the game. I'm really glad that mentally I was super strong and super focused today. I'm happy that I closed this match in straight sets."

The victory sets up a highly anticipated last-16 clash with four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka.

Although Sabalenka leads their head-to-head record 4-1, she expects another demanding encounter.

"I think every match was very tough one," she said of their previous meetings.

"In every match there was, like, few key moments of each set where I think I was able to trust my game and to step in and to put pressure on her. I feel like every time she play me, she's more focused. She's aware of my power and aggression and everything. I feel like every time she's handling herself really good and handling the pressure good.

"I'm ready to go out there and to fight."