Rybakina's Wimbledon Upset
Defending Champion Elena Rybakina Loses to Elise Mertens in Wimbledon Third Round
No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, was knocked out of Wimbledon in the third round by Belgium's Elise Mertens. SFGATE reported the final score was 7-6 (4), 6-1 in Mertens' favor. Rybakina is now the highest-seeded woman eliminated from the tournament.
The loss carries big ranking consequences. Because Rybakina is out, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is guaranteed to hold her top ranking when Wimbledon ends, according to Houston Chronicle.
Mertens Dominates in Straight Sets on Centre Court
Mertens took the first set in a tiebreak, winning 7-6 (4). She then ran away with the second set 6-1. The Belgian player was clinical and gave Rybakina little room to use her big serve, according to Times Union.
Rybakina had been one of the tournament favorites entering Wimbledon. She won the title here in 2022 and was seeded second this year. A third-round exit marks a sharp disappointment for a player expected to go deep into the draw.
Sabalenka Locks Up World No. 1 Ranking With Rybakina's Exit
Rybakina was the only player who could have overtaken Sabalenka at the top of the WTA rankings during this tournament. With Rybakina out, that door is now closed. Sabalenka will remain No. 1 regardless of how the rest of Wimbledon plays out, according to Winnipeg Free Press.
Sabalenka is still alive in the draw. Her path to the title just got easier with the second seed gone so early.
Mertens Next Faces Naomi Osaka in the Fourth Round
Mertens will play Naomi Osaka in the fourth round after her upset win. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has been making her own run at the All England Club this fortnight, according to WFMZ.
It is a high-profile fourth-round matchup. Mertens will look to build on her momentum after taking down one of the biggest names in the draw.
Top Women's Seeds Falling Fast at Wimbledon
Rybakina's exit continues a trend of top seeds falling early on the women's side at this year's Wimbledon. Losing the No. 2 seed in round three opens the draw wide open, according to Click Orlando.
With Rybakina gone, the women's title race now has fewer favorites. Players further down the seedings will see a clearer path to the final. Wimbledon's women's draw is now far less predictable heading into the second week.
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