Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka also progressed to the third round, but only after a massive second set test vs unseeded American McCartney Kessler on Court No 1, winning 6-1 7-6 (11-9).
Sabalenka converted her third match point in the tie-breaker after saving two set points.
By the time Kessler had surged into a 5-2 lead in the second set, Sabalenka’s frustration was boiling over, with the world No 1 repeatedly slapping her thigh in anger after missed opportunities.
Kessler appeared to be on the cusp of dragging the four-time Grand Slam champion into a third set as she had two set points at 5-3 and another two in the tie-break.
But Sabalenka’s superior power and experience ultimately saw her through, keeping her bid for a first major title away from hard courts alive as she finally converted her third match point.
“Was truly great fight and level in that second set from her and she really tested me today. I’m super happy to pass the test,” the relieved top seed said after flooring her 57th-ranked opponent.
“She played incredible and played super aggressive and it was really tough to handle the second set and I am glad to have powered through.”
