Johanna Konta has shrugged off her tag as favourite to win Wimbledon despite cruising past Maria Sakkari and into the last 16.
Konta has become the bookies' pick after Petra Kvitova, the initial favourite, and then her successor Karolina Pliskova both endured surprise defeats.
There was never any sign Konta would extend the exodus, however, as she barely broke a sweat on Court One in her 6-4 6-1 win over Sakkari.
France's 21st seed Caroline Garcia now awaits in the fourth round and while the women's draw is unreadable heading into the second week, plenty of contenders remain.
Seven-time major champion Venus Williams edged out the talented Naomi Osaka later on Friday after Victoria Azarenka had overcome Heather Watson and a raucous British crowd on Centre Court.
"I really stepped up in the key moments," Azarenka said.
Second seed and French Open finalist Simona Halep moved through in straight sets over China's Peng Shuai. Her shock Roland Garros conqueror Jelena Ostapenko also advanced, along with fourth seed Elina Svitolina.
World No.1 Angelique Kerber and Spain's Garbine Muguruza, who both play third rounds on Saturday, are also gaining momentum.
"Everyone in the draw is in with a chance of taking the title - I think I'm pretty sure favourites also come and go," Konta said.
"They change daily almost. I'm just here, happy to have actually made it into the second week, happy to come through three battles this week.
"Again, I'm very much taking it one match at a time but I'm definitely working towards staying involved for a full two weeks."
Konta was not at her free-flowing best against Sakkari, the Greek world No.101, but it is a mark of her status that she progressed with minimal fuss.
After keeping her unforced errors down to 21 in 41 games against Donna Vekic in the previous round, the British No.1 hit 15 in 17 games against Sakkari.
Her forehand, which delivered more than half of those, was particularly culpable.
"I think I'm playing some good tennis. I don't think I'm playing unbelievable tennis," Konta said.
"I definitely believe in myself, the fact that I can keep improving. I can keep getting better yes.
Share
