In a surprising turn of events at Wimbledon on July 4, 2026, second seed Elena Rybakina was knocked out of the tournament by Elise Mertens, while defending champion Iga Swiatek also faced elimination at the hands of Alexandra Eala. Rybakina lost 7-6 (7-4) 6-1, ensuring that Aryna Sabalenka retains her title as the world number one.
Upsets Shake Up Wimbledon 2026
The day was marked by significant upsets, with Rybakina's defeat coming just an hour before Swiatek's exit. Mertens demonstrated her skill by clinching the first set in a tie-break and then dominating the second set, winning nine points in a row to seal her victory with an ace.
Rybakina, who had a chance to challenge for the top ranking, had to reach at least the quarter-finals to maintain her position. Her loss follows a difficult start to the tournament, where she struggled through a three-set match against Taylor Townsend in the first round.
Swiatek's Title Defense Ends Early
Swiatek's defeat to Eala was equally shocking. After winning Wimbledon the previous year, she has been unable to recapture her form, finishing the match with a staggering 44 unforced errors and five double faults. Eala's victory marks a historic achievement as she becomes the first player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam in the Open era.
