Swiatek’s title defence ended, ex-champ Rybakina crashes out at Wimbledon

Reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek's title defense ended abruptly in the third round with a straight-sets defeat to the Philippines' Alexandra Eala. Eala, seeded 29th, secured a dramatic 7-6 (11/9), 6-2 victory on Centre Court, advancing to the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.

Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, faced her earliest major exit since a third-round defeat at Wimbledon two years ago. The 21-year-old Eala, who had previously made history by becoming the first Filipino to reach the third round of a Grand Slam in the Open era, showed no signs of being intimidated by her more decorated opponent. This victory marks her second win in three meetings against the Polish third seed.

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It’s difficult to describe. I’m in the second week of a Slam and it’s incredible for me.

"It’s difficult to describe. I’m in the second week of a Slam and it’s incredible for me," Eala said. She acknowledged that while the achievement might seem small to multiple Grand Slam winners like Swiatek or the Williams sisters, it represents everything for someone who grew up training in the Philippines. Eala will next face former runner-up Jasmine Paolini.

The match was characterized by a marathon first set, where Eala narrowly clinched the tie-break on her fourth set point after Swiatek sent a backhand long. Swiatek struggled with consistency, committing 44 unforced errors throughout the match. In the second set, Eala quickly established a commanding lead, and despite Swiatek's attempts to fight back, Eala secured the biggest victory of her career on her third match point. Meanwhile, former champion Elena Rybakina also suffered an early exit from the tournament.

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I’m really emotional and maybe for someone like Iga who has won so many Slams, or someone like Serena or Venus (Williams), this achievement might seem small. But for someone who grew up in the Philippines… I trained with my mother and my grandfather every day after school with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks… so for her this is everything.