Pakistan, July 3 -- Iga Swiatek continued her Wimbledon title defence by overpowering former finalist Karolina Pliskova in a commanding straight-set victory to reach the third round.

The Polish world number three cried on court after battling to a three-set win over Taylor Townsend in her opening match on Tuesday, having found opening play on Centre Court as the reigning champion "really emotional". Far more relaxed on her return to action two days later, there was an entirely different feel to this performance as the 25-year-old made a blistering start against 2021 runner-up Pliskova.

"I'm feeling more stable today - and that's good," Swiatek told the crowd after her 6-1 6-3 victory. "The first round was really emotional for sure, but ...