Former <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/no-1-sabalenka-faces-in-form-rybakina-in-australian-open-title-clash-23614474" rel="nofollow">Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina</a> suffered a shock third-round exit in a 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 defeat against Elise Mertens on Saturday.
Rybakina was hoping to follow her Australian Open triumph in January by winning Wimbledon for the second time. But the World No. 2 was unable to emulate her 2022 victory here as Belgian 25th seed Mertens produced a major upset on Court One.
Rybakina, 27, also endured a disappointing early departure from the recent <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/alexander-zverev-clinches-maiden-grand-slam-title-at-french-open-2026-23634222" rel="nofollow">French Open</a>, losing to Yuliia Starodubtseva in the second round.
The Russia-born Kazakhstani, who beat Ons Jabeur to win Wimbledon four years ago, has failed to make it past the third round on her last two visits to south-west London.
Mertens is a two-time Wimbledon doubles champion and has now reached the last 16 in the All England Club singles on four occasions. &ldquo;It is one of the biggest wins of my career. I had some doubles successes here before, but I&rsquo;m really pleased with my performance here today,&rdquo; said Mertens.
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Rybakina, 27, also endured a disappointing early departure from the recent French Open, losing to Yuliia Starodubtseva in the second round.

Wimbledon 2026 | One of my biggest wins: Mertens after beating No. 2 Rybakina

Wimbledon 2026: Swiatek shocked by World No. 32 Eala in Round Three

Rybakina, 27, also endured a disappointing early departure from the recent French Open, losing to Yuliia Starodubtseva in the second round

Wimbledon 2026 | One of my biggest wins: Mertens after upsetting No. 2 Rybakina

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Home / Sports / Other Sports / Article / Wimbledon 2026 | One of my biggest wins: Mertens after upsetting No. 2 Rybakina