Former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina faced an unexpected exit during the third round of the 2026 tournament, falling 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 to Elise Mertens on Saturday. Rybakina, the world number two, aimed for a second title at the All England Club following her success earlier this year at the Australian Open. However, the 25th-seeded Belgian dominated the match on Court One to secure a significant victory.
This loss continues a difficult run for the 27-year-old Rybakina, who also exited the French Open early this season. She has now failed to progress beyond the third round in her last two Wimbledon appearances. Conversely, Mertens, a two-time doubles champion at the venue, has reached the final 16 in the singles draw for the fourth time.
Mertens, 30, whose career-best singles performance remains a 2018 Australian Open semi-final, will next compete against Marie Bouzkova. The winner of that match will secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
