Rybakina, Wimbledon 2022 Champion, Eliminated in Third Round
Elena Rybakina, the second seed and 2022 Wimbledon champion, has been defeated in the third round of the tournament. She lost in straight sets to Elise Mertens, with a scoreline of 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 on Court One.
This marks the highest seed to be eliminated at Wimbledon so far this year. Rybakina, who also won the Australian Open earlier this year in January, has now failed to progress to the second week of Wimbledon for the second consecutive year.
Her exit ensures that Aryna Sabalenka will retain her position as the women's world number one, regardless of Sabalenka's performance in the remainder of the tournament.
Mertens Advances to Fourth Round
Elise Mertens, the Belgian player who defeated Rybakina, will face Marie Bouzkova in the fourth round. Bouzkova, the 21st seed from the Czech Republic, secured her place by coming from behind to beat Liudmila Samsonova in a three-set match.
"I have no words, actually. I'm very happy I won that first set and kept the momentum going," said Mertens, a 30-year-old two-time women's doubles champion at Wimbledon.
"[Rybakina's] an incredible player, she's won Wimbledon in the past so a really tough opponent.
"I think you could see the nerves. A couple of little faults but eventually after so many 40-alls I tried to keep a little pleasure and a little smile just to relax myself a bit.
"This is definitely one of the biggest wins of my career, especially here at Wimbledon. I've had some success here before. I'm just very pleased with my performance today."
