Add The New York Post on Google Iga Swiatek’s Wimbledon defense is already over.
Swiatek, the No. 3 seed in the ladies’ draw, was shocked in the third round Saturday as she fell 7-6 (9), 6-2 to 21-year-old Alexandra Eala.
Eala, the No. 29 seed in the tournament, was brought to tears following the victory as she collapsed onto the grass court.
It was a day to forget for Iga Swiatek on Saturday AFP via Getty Images This is her first time making the fourth round of a Grand Slam (the third round was already a career-best for her), and she’s the first Filipino player to get this far in a major tournament.
Swiatek demolished Amanda Anisimova in last year’s Wimbledon final, but will now have to settle for an early trip home, while Eala will face Italian Jasmine Paolini.
Swiatek, though, was not the only women’s Wimbledon champion and high seed to see their tournament cut short Saturday.
2022 winner Elena Rybakina, the No. 2 seed in the ladies’ draw, fell 7-6 (4), 6-1 to Belgian Elise Mertens.
Alexandra Eala was brought to tears following the momentous victory AP Photo/Maja Smiejkowska That result was another major surprise following Rybakina’s Australian Open triumph in the winter.
