Elena Rybakina’s hunt for a second Wimbledon title came to a disappointing end in the third round.
The Kazakh star won her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2022, defeating Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the final 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Returning in 2023 Rybakina reached the quarterfinals before qualifying for the semi-finals in 2024 as she continued to impress on the grass.
Looking for more success in 2025, the 26-year-old dropped just seven games in her opening two matches at Wimbledon, breezing past Elina Avanesyan and Maria Sakkari in straight sets.
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However, it was in the third round that her run came to an end, losing out to Denmark’s Clara Tauson 6-7, 3-6.
Having been scheduled to play on Court Two rather than Court One or Centre Court (which both have roofs), Rybakina had to contend with a rain delay during the first set.
During her post-match press conference, Rybakina gave her honest opinion on Wimbledon’s decision to schedule her on Court Two.
Elena Rybakina ‘expected’ to be on Court One and admits it would’ve been ‘much nicer’
During her post-match press conference, Rybakina revealed which court she expected to play on.
“I was probably expecting Court One, but when I saw the schedule for [Court] Two. I mean, nothing I can do in that situation,” she said.
“Of course, it’s much nicer to play on Court One or Centre [Court], but I know there’s still a lot of seeded players [in the draw] and it’s not the first time I’ve had to play on another court.”
“It’s the same court for everyone. Same for my opponent, so it didn’t matter.”
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The world number 11 proceeded to highlight the reasons why she would have preferred to play on one of the main courts.
“I mean, there is a roof, of course, it’s much easier because you know that you won’t stop, but again, it was the same for me and for her,” said Rybakina.
“The court was a bit softer than the other courts, and all her drop shots and slices were working well, and for me it was tough to adjust.
“It was a bit tough today.”
Rybakina was then asked about the rain, as she detailed how that affected the outcome of the match.
“I think it was very close before the rain, and after we came back on the court, I had the chances to win the first set, but again, it was too many unforced errors for my side,” she said.
“The serve was not there at all, and it’s very difficult for me to play, of course, without the serve. She played well, I think she adjusted to conditions a bit better, with the serve, and also some slices from her side.
Serving stats from Elena Rybakina v Clara Tauson
“There were too many mistakes from my side and very bad decisions in some moments.”
Disappointed with the defeat, Rybakina will no doubt return with title ambitions in 2026, as she looks to win her second major on the grass.
A new champion is guaranteed at Wimbledon
Four former champions entered the women’s draw in 2025, but none made it to the fourth round, as we are guaranteed to see a first-time winner this year.
- Petra Kvitova (2011/2014 champion) – Lost in 1R
- Elena Rybakina (2022 champion) – Lost in 3R
- Marketa Vondrousova (2023 champion) – Lost in 2R
- Barbora Krejcikova (2024 champion) – Lost in 3R
Therefore, one of the following 16 names will pick up their maiden Wimbledon title seven days from now.
The potential first-time champions at Wimbledon
Only time will tell who will lift the Venus Rosewater Dish on Saturday, July 12, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
The Wimbledon fourth round matches are scheduled to begin on Sunday, July 6.