London, July 6 (NationPress) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova made her way to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for the second time, securing a challenging victory over Britain’s Sonay Kartal with a score of 7-6(3), 6-4. This gripping match was tainted by a contentious incident involving a malfunction in the line-calling system, lasting two hours and two minutes and truly testing Pavlyuchenkova’s fortitude and poise.

During a nail-biting first set, with the score at 4-4, Pavlyuchenkova seemed to have secured a game point when Kartal’s backhand clearly went long. However, due to an error in the electronic line-calling system—later attributed to operator mistake—the point was ordered to be replayed rather than awarded to Pavlyuchenkova. Seizing the opportunity, Kartal broke serve and gained a set point in the next game, as reported by WTA.

Nevertheless, the seasoned Pavlyuchenkova maintained her composure. She saved the set point, reclaimed the break, and dominated the tiebreak, demonstrating her characteristic strength and experience. Currently ranked World No. 50, having battled Lyme disease since February, she has been on a determined path to recovery, continuing to show her prowess in the second set with an array of spectacular shots—such as a left-handed forehand winner and a clever lob.

Despite Kartal’s determination, briefly breaking back, Pavlyuchenkova regained control at 3-2 and never relinquished it. She clinched the match on her first match point with a powerful forehand down the line, marking her 36th winner of the match, far surpassing Kartal’s tally of 14.

This victory signifies Pavlyuchenkova’s 10th appearance in a Grand Slam quarterfinal and her second this season, a remarkable achievement as it’s her first time reaching this milestone within a single year since 2011. With an impressive 8-1 record on grass this season and a recent semifinal run in Eastbourne, she is in prime condition heading into her next match against either Amanda Anisimova or Linda Noskova for a chance to reach the semifinals.