TEODORA KOSTOVIC BACKS HERSELF TO BEAT SABALENKA AT WIMBLEDON

Teodora Kostovic stated she believes she can defeat Aryna Sabalenka in their first-round Wimbledon match after being drawn against the World No. 1. The 18-year-old Serbian qualifier expressed confidence in her chances, saying "I can beat her. I can beat anybody when I'm in the zone" and adding "Let's see if she can deal with my power." Kostovic qualified for Wimbledon's main draw on Thursday after previously stating she wanted to face Sabalenka.

Kostovic is a former junior No. 4 and reached the girls' singles quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year. She turned professional in 2024 and recorded significant ranking improvements in 2025, climbing from No. 898 to No. 190 by year's end. She failed to reach the main draw at both the Australian Open and French Open in 2026 but succeeded at Wimbledon, dropping only one set across three qualifying matches. Grass courts represent Kostovic's preferred surface; she won the junior title at Roehampton two years ago after defeating Iva Jovic.

Sabalenka, the World No. 1, will pursue Wimbledon victory as she seeks to add the title to her existing trophy collection. The tournament begins on Sunday local time. Kostovic's first-round appearance marks her main draw Grand Slam debut.