Mertens Stuns Second-Ranked Rybakina for Wimbledon Fourth Round Return

Elise Mertens defeated world No. 2 Elena Rybakina 7-6(4), 6-1 at Wimbledon on July 4, 2026, to reach her fourth Wimbledon fourth round. It marks Mertens' first career Top 10 win on grass and her first victory over Rybakina in five years, snapping a six-match losing streak. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, suffered her second consecutive third-round exit at The Championships and saw her hopes of overtaking Aryna Sabalenka at world No. 1 take a serious blow.