London, July 6 -- World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka powered her way into the Wimbledon quarterfinals with a straight-sets 6-4, 7-6(4) win over long-time rival and former doubles partner Elise Mertens under the Centre Court roof today. Sabalenka's victory marked the 10th consecutive time she has beaten Mertens, a streak reminiscent of Vitas Gerulaitis' famous quip: "Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row." This time, it was Sabalenka who had the last word, once again overcoming Mertens with her signature screaming forehands and court dominance. The match carried a hint of irony, and pain, for Mertens. The two once lifted two Grand Slam doubles titles together, but in singles, the Belarusian has now firmly asserted her superiority. Sabalenk...