Wimbledon women's draw blasted open as Swiatek and Rybakina crash out

The Wimbledon women's draw was dramatically shaken on Saturday as top seeds Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina crashed out of the tournament. Defending champion Swiatek, the third seed, was outplayed by the Philippines' Alexandra Eala in a 7-6(9) 6-2 defeat after a grueling first set. Rybakina, the second seed and 2022 champion, also faltered after a close opening set, losing 7-6(4) 6-1 to Belgium's Elise Mertens.

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Definitely I need to analyse and change something, because it's not working.

"Definitely I need to analyse and change something, because it's not working," said Rybakina, who could have become world number one with a strong performance. The day also saw American disappointment as Serena Williams withdrew from her eagerly-awaited doubles match with sister Venus due to injury. Williams, who had returned to the tournament after a four-year absence, stated she was "heartbroken to have to withdraw."

Despite the high-profile exits, there was success for some American players, with qualifier Ashlyn Krueger advancing. However, 23rd seed Emma Navarro was eliminated. In the men's draw, second seed Alexander Zverev and Italian finalist Flavio Cobolli secured their places in the next round, with Italy potentially having four men in the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time since 1947.

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I was heartbroken to have to withdraw.

Alexandra Eala, seeded 29th, made history by becoming the first player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam. Her message of perseverance, etched on her cap, will be tested against 13th seed Jasmine Paolini. Eala, reflecting on her journey, shared an emotional account of her childhood dreams, stating, "For someone who grew up in the Philippines... to her, this is everything. But because I'm emotional does not mean I'm satisfied, so yeah, okay, next round. Let's go."

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For someone who grew up in the Philippines ... I went to training with my brother and my grandfather every day after school with my ruffled socks and my light-up shoes and chubby cheeks, so ... to her, this is everything. But because I'm emotional does not mean I'm satisfied, so yeah, okay, next round. Let's go.