Former champion Elena Rybakina crashes out of Wimbledon
Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina in action during her third round match against Denmark's Clara Tauson.
LONDON – Former champion Elena Rybakina became the latest star to suffer a shock Wimbledon exit, losing to Denmark's Clara Tauson 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 on July 5.
Rybakina, the Kazakh 11th seed, won her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022 and had reached the semi-finals last season.
But the 26-year-old's hopes of another strong run were ended by 23rd-seeded Tauson in a third-round tie on Court Two.
'Before this grass season started, I had never won a match on grass. I'm super happy and proud of the way I played today,' said Tauson.
'Me and my coach, who's also my boyfriend... We worked so hard the whole year and the end of last year. Every one of my friends and people who came to support have been amazing. I've worked so hard towards this. I'm super pleased.'
Rybakina, who reached the Australian Open final in 2023, joins a long list of high seeds to crash out of the women's tournament.
Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Zheng Qinwen and Madison Keys all suffered upsets earlier in the week.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Asean needs 'bolder reforms' to attract investments in more fragmented global economy: PM Wong
Singapore CPF members can make housing, retirement and health insurance plans with new digital platform
Singapore CPF's central philosophy of self-reliance remains as pertinent as ever: SM Lee
Asia Dalai Lama hopes to live beyond 130 years, much longer than predicted
Sport Liverpool will move on after Jota's tragic death, but he will never be forgotten
Singapore Tan Cheng Bock, Hazel Poa step down from PSP leadership; party launches 'renewal plan'
Singapore Rock climbing fan suddenly could not jump, get up from squats
Life Japanese food in Singapore under $20: 5 hawker stalls serving restaurant-quality sashimi and donburi
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is the last of the top six seeds still standing at the All England Club.
Rybakina's defeat continues a disappointing year for the former world No. 3, who has failed to make it past the last 16 at the three Grand Slams.
Tauson is through to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for only the second time, and the first time since last year's French Open.
The 22-year-old, a former junior world No. 1 whose promising career has been hampered by injuries, had lost in the first round on her three previous main draw appearances at Wimbledon.
Meanwhile, seventh seed Mirra Andreeva outclassed American Hailey Baptiste 6-1, 6-3 under the Court One roof to equal her best Wimbledon run by reaching the last 16.
In a first week littered with fallen seeds, 18-year-old Andreeva has made reaching the business end of the tournament look like a breeze and is yet to drop a set.
'Honestly, today I was so focused today,' she said.
'I knew it would be tough because she creates a lot of different stuff on the court and has a rocket of a forehand. With every match I play I feel my level is rising.'
In the men's draw, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner eased through his third-round clash against Spain's Pedro Martinez 6-1, 6-3, 6-1.
The Italian, a three-time Grand Slam champion, is seeking his first Wimbledon title.
On July 4, his main rival Carlos Alcaraz made hard work of beating Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the last 16.
The Spanish second seed eventually overcame German world No. 125 Struff 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to stay on track for a third straight Wimbledon crown.
But he will have to cut out his errors if he is to become just the fifth man in the Open era to perform that feat.
Alcaraz, watched by former England captain Gary Lineker and former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, made 28 unforced errors in an inconsistent display on Centre Court.
But he conjured enough moments of magic to eventually subdue Struff and book his place in the fourth round, where he will meet Russia's Andrey Rublev on July 6.
Off the court, scorching temperatures at this year's Wimbledon have led to a spike in hat sales while the tournament's famous towels are top of players' shopping lists.
The grass-court Grand Slam, often known for its soggy conditions, began in roasting weather and the sun has mostly shone ever since.
Dan Ashmore, head of retail, merchandise and licensing, said baseball caps were flying off the shelves, with more than 45,000 sold so far compared with 75,000 over the whole two weeks last year.
Baseball caps are priced at £35, with Panama hats (£120) and raffia hats (£70) also selling well.
'Days one and two this year were a scorcher,' said Ashmore.
'Baseball caps were selling very, very quickly. We're about 25 per cent further ahead on baseball cap volume than we were at this time last year.'
Players are also keen to stock up on Wimbledon merchandise and towels are top of their list.
'We had 175 players come through the Number One Court shop across the pre-championships weekend, and they are buying a cross-section of products,' added Ashmore.
'The towels are our No. 1 bestseller, and they are with the players as well.' AFP, REUTERS
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Kenya's Kipyegon, Chebet break world records in Eugene
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Kenya's Beatrice Chebet smashed the women's 5,000 metres world record and compatriot Faith Kipyegon broke her own 1,500m record again as the Eugene Diamond League meet lived up to its billing on Saturday. Olympic champion Chebet ran 13 minutes 58.06 seconds to better the time set by Gudaf Tsegay by over two seconds, the Ethiopian's 14:00.21 obliterated when the Kenyan left Tsegay for dust with 200 metres to go as she sprinted for the line. Chebet looked in shock when she saw the time, adding to her world 10,000 metres record set in Eugene last year, but she had been threatening the record, running 14:03.69 in Rome last month. "I'm so happy, after running in Rome, I said I have to prepare for a record, because in Rome I was just running to win a race, but after running 14:03, I said that I'm capable of running a world record," Chebet said. "So, let me go back home, and then come to Eugene. When I was coming here to Eugene, I was coming to prepare to run a world record, and I said I have to try." Tsegay, along with Kenyan Agnes Jebet Ngetich, kept pace with Chebet for almost the entire race, but had no answer when Chebet kicked for home, and Jebet Ngetich finished second in 14:01.29, the third fastest time ever. The 50th Prefontaine Classic promised fireworks, and in the final race of the evening Kipyegon ran a time of three minutes 48.68 seconds, improving her previous world mark of 3:49.04 set in Paris last July. Kipyegon, triple Olympic champion over the distance, recently fell short in her attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes, but the 31-year-old shook that disappointment off in style. The Kenyan upped the pace down the back straight, powering around the final bend and pushed for the line, her eyes wide in disbelief as she glanced at the clock as she broke the tape. Sweden's Mondo Duplantis failed in his bid to break his own world pole vault record for a 13th time. Duplantis, who recorded his best jump of 6.28 metres in Stockholm in June, faced little competition, with nobody left at 5.90, and after clearing six metres he attempted 6.29 but was unsuccessful in all three attempts. The men's 100m was dominated by Jamaican Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson, winning in a time of 9.85 seconds, one tenth of a second off his personal best set eight days ago, with Briton Zharnel Hughes in second. "I'm the only one that can stop me," Thompson said. "I don't say that to brag, but to be honest, once I better my execution, amazing things are going to happen." Olympic 400m metres hurdles champion and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone took on the flat race at the same distance and held off a late surge from fellow-American Aaliyah Butler. American Yared Nuguse looked like threatening the world mile record before a late collapse saw him caught before the line by Dutchman Niels Laros. "I didn't get the record, but I'm still at a really good place right now," Nuguse said. REUTERS

Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Australia seize control as Smith's masterclass extends lead to 254
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Cricket - 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final - South Africa v Australia - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - June 11, 2025 Australia's Steve Smith in action Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Steve Smith's magnificent 71 guided Australia to 221 for seven at stumps on day three of the second test against West Indies in Grenada on Saturday, helping the tourists to build a commanding 254-run lead despite late wickets and persistent rain interruptions. Australia, who began the day two wickets down after losing Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja on Friday, made it to lunch at 69 for three and appeared vulnerable on a pitch offering variable bounce and seam movement. Nathan Lyon's nightwatchman role lasted 33 balls and yielded eight runs before he fell to Alzarri Joseph, with John Campbell taking the catch at third slip. At that point, Australia were crying out for some heroics, and up stepped Smith and Cameron Green, who combined for a crucial 93-run partnership that turned the tide inexorably in the visitors' favour. Green contributed a vital 52, his highest score batting at number three, before falling immediately after reaching his half-century when he chopped a Shamar Joseph delivery on to his stumps. Smith, back in the side after missing the first test with a finger injury, found his rhythm after a cautious start, smashing a six off Roston Chase and hitting seven boundaries in a patient knock that spanned 119 balls. The veteran looked in complete control as he guided Australia through the middle sessions but his masterful innings ended when he was given out lbw to Justin Greaves after an unsuccessful review. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore TTSH to demolish century-old pavilion wards, keeping one as heritage marker World Iran's Khamenei makes first public appearance since war with Israel World Elon Musk says he has created a new US political party Asia Poor sex education, policy gaps and stigma fuel HIV surge among young Filipinos Singapore Don't view your first property as a dream home, get a foothold in the market instead: PropNex's Ismail Gafoor Singapore How soya sauce could help treat cancer Business What does money mean to Crazy Rich Asians' Henry Golding? Business When a foreign wife failed to turn up for a $10m divorce "We're in a nice spot," Smith said. "I don't think the wicket is going to get any better, it will probably do a few more tricks. "The new ball is going to be pretty crucial for us. Hopefully we can get up to somewhere around 300 and then we'll see how it goes." Travis Head provided explosive support with 39 from 60 balls, including four boundaries, before being bowled by a Shamar Joseph delivery that nipped back sharply and caught him completely off guard. Beau Webster managed just two runs before edging Greaves to slip, but Alex Carey helped to avert a mini-crisis with an unbeaten 26 that included some aggressive strokeplay. The pitch continued to pose challenges through the day, with balls keeping low at times and offering variable bounce that troubled the batsmen. West Indies' bowlers toiled hard on the surface, with Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Greaves claiming two wickets apiece, but their efforts were undermined by Australia's patient accumulation of runs. With Carey and Pat Cummins at the crease overnight, Australia's imposing advantage leaves West Indies facing an uphill battle. Sunday promises to be decisive, with Australia needing a few more runs to set an even more daunting target, while West Indies require early wickets to keep alive their hopes. REUTERS

Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
France coach says team can still improve after beating England
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox ZURICH - France can play even better despite putting on a strong performance to comfortably beat England 2-1 in their Women's Euros Group D opener on Saturday, Les Bleus manager Laurent Bonadei said. The victory in Zurich was the first time the reigning champions have lost the opening match in a title defence of the Women's Euros. "We can do better every time," Bonadei told reporters. "We have to improve in each department of the team, in defence, in midfield and offensively." The coach said France found the going tough at the start and end of the match when England were on top. But his team made the most of their chances, scoring twice during their dominant spell while England managed only a late consolation goal. "Each game is decided on the details and it's not easy to win this type of game," Bonadei said. "But I want to say that I am proud of my players, because they never give up in this game and keep control and keep calm in the difficult moments." The performance would give France confidence for the rest of the tournament, he said, adding: "We work at the training sessions every time to improve and to do better, and we want each game to make our fans proud." REUTERS Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore TTSH to demolish century-old pavilion wards, keeping one as heritage marker World Iran's Khamenei makes first public appearance since war with Israel World Elon Musk says he has created a new US political party Asia Poor sex education, policy gaps and stigma fuel HIV surge among young Filipinos Singapore Don't view your first property as a dream home, get a foothold in the market instead: PropNex's Ismail Gafoor Singapore How soya sauce could help treat cancer Business What does money mean to Crazy Rich Asians' Henry Golding? Business When a foreign wife failed to turn up for a $10m divorce