Wimbledon 2026: Elena Rybakina knocked out in third round by Elise Mertens

Elena Rybakina became the highest seed to fall at Wimbledon so far in a straight-set defeat by Elise Mertens.

Second seed Rybakina, who won the All England title in 2022, was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 in the third round by her Belgian opponent.

It is the second successive year that Kazakhstan’s Rybakina – who was crowned Australian Open champion in January – has failed to reach the second week at Wimbledon.

Her defeat on Court One also means Aryna Sabalenka will remain as the women’s world number one, regardless of how deep into the tournament the Belarusian goes.

For Mertens, a fourth-round meeting with Marie Bouzkova awaits after the Czech 21st seed came from behind to defeat Liudmila Samsonova in three sets.

“I have no words, actually. I’m very happy I won that first set and kept the momentum going,” said the 30-year-old, a two-time women’s doubles champion at SW19.

“[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.”