No second week for Elena Rybakina: Clara Tauson seals statement win at Wimbledon

Elena Rybakina suffered a surprising third-round exit at Wimbledon against a formidable Clara Tauson, falling 6-7(6), 6-3. The Kazakhstani was considered one of the title favorites—especially after several top seeds were eliminated in earlier rounds—but she couldn't overcome the Danish star.

The 26-year-old had four previous appearances at the All England Club—including her title win in 2022—and this is the first time she hasn't reached at least the second week of the tournament. Rybakina will drop a couple of positions in the WTA Rankings to No. 13 after failing to defend the semifinals she reached in 2024.

A complicated match was expected against the world No. 22, who has shown consistency throughout the season and possesses one of the most effective serves currently on tour. Rybakina squandered a break point in her opponent's first service game, one of the few opportunities she would have.

The Kazakhstani, in fact, struggled more with her serve, saving break points against her in three of her first four service games. However, a break didn't come for either player. The match was interrupted at 4-4 due to weather conditions, halting play for about an hour while both seemed strong on serve.

Upon resumption, Rybakina had to fight back from 0-30 to hold her service game and then had a couple of set points on return that she couldn't convert. Everything extended to a tie-break, where the 2022 Wimbledon champion squandered a 5-3 lead, and Tauson ultimately clinched the set 7-6(8-6).

An early break put Tauson ahead, and with a couple of solid service games, she raced to a 3-0 lead. A few games later, Tauson even had two chances to go up a double break, but Rybakina managed to stay alive. Serving at 4-2, 40-30, play was once again halted due to weather conditions.

With both players still on court, Rybakina showed negative body language, while Tauson exuded calm as she prepared for the final stretch of the match. Upon resumption, Tauson returned and completed the mission—saving a break point in the final game—and sealed the victory 7-6(6), 6-3.

Tauson had three previous appearances at Wimbledon—all ending in first-round defeats. The Dane reaches the Round of 16 of a Grand Slam for the second time in her career, following her campaign at 2024 Roland Garros (where she lost in the fourth round to Ons Jabeur).