World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has been drawn against qualifier Teodora Kostovic in the first round at Wimbledon. The 18-year-old Serbian expressed strong confidence ahead of the match.
Kostovic reached the main draw as a qualifier on Thursday. She stated that she wants to face Sabalenka and believes she can beat the top seed.
"Of course, I can beat her. I can beat anybody when I’m in the zone," Kostovic said. She added that she will test whether Sabalenka can handle her power on grass.
Kostovic won three qualifying matches at the tournament, dropping only one set. The former junior world No. 4 turned professional in 2024 and rose sharply in the rankings during 2025.
Sabalenka, 28, will aim to start her campaign strongly. If she advances, she could meet McCartney Kessler in the second round and Emma Raducanu in the third.