Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina was unexpectedly defeated by Elise Mertens in the third round, ending her campaign at this year’s tournament. Mertens secured a convincing 7-6(7-4), 6-1 victory, showcasing a dominant performance after a closely contested first set. Rybakina, who won the title in 2022, struggled to find her rhythm against Mertens’ aggressive play. The match saw Mertens capitalize on key moments, particularly in the tie-break and the decisive second set. This loss marks a significant upset in the women’s singles draw, removing a major contender. Mertens will now advance to the fourth round, while Rybakina faces an early exit from the prestigious tournament.