Elena Rybakina was beaten in straight sets 7-6, 6-4 by Elise Mertens on a dreadful day for leading women's players at Wimbledon.

What happened?

Rybakina, the 2022 champion, was first out, joining Mirra Andreeva in not extending her stay into the second week.

Why it matters for Elena Rybakina

With just 947 points separating Aryna Sabalenka and Rybakina in the world rankings prior to the start of the tournament, Rybakina had to reach at least the quarter-finals to stand any chance of challenging for top spot.

Rybakina's loss means Sabalenka will remain as the world No 1 regardless of what happens for the rest of the Championships.

What comes next?

The defeat marks the second successive year that Kazakhstan's Rybakina has failed to reach the second week at Wimbledon.

Mertens, a two-time women's doubles champion at SW19, was delighted with her performance, saying she had no words and was very happy to have won the first set and kept the momentum going.

Eala, who beat defending champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets, became the first player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon.

Rybakina's loss was a major upset on Centre Court, with the crowd packed full of sporting stars, including those in the Royal Box.

The event took place on a day when the second and third seeds were defeated almost simultaneously on the two main show courts, both in straight sets.

Mertens said Rybakina was an incredible player and a really tough opponent, but she tried to keep a little pleasure and a little smile to relax herself during the match.

The win was one of the biggest of Mertens' career, especially at Wimbledon, where she has had some success before.

Eala fell to the floor in tears after completing the biggest win of her career on what was her third match point.

She said it was her dream court and she didn't know how to describe it, adding that Iga Swiatek is a phenomenal player and a great person.

The crowd was delighted with Eala's series of winners that swept through the second set.

Rybakina's defeat was a shock to many, given her recent form and her status as a former champion.

The tournament will continue without Rybakina, who will now have to regroup and focus on her next challenge.

Mertens will look to build on her win and make a deep run in the tournament.

The loss was a tough one for Rybakina, but she will look to bounce back and regain her form in the coming weeks.

The match was a thrilling one, with both players giving it their all.

In the end, Mertens' determination and skill paid off, and she emerged victorious.

The win was a testament to Mertens' hard work and dedication to her craft.

Rybakina will now have to wait and see how the rest of the tournament plays out before she can start planning her next move.

The defeat was a disappointing one for Rybakina, but she will look to learn from it and come back stronger.

The tournament will miss Rybakina, but it will continue to thrill and entertain the crowds.

The next few days will be crucial for the remaining players, as they battle it out for a place in the final.

The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but the players are ready for the challenge.

The crowd will be eagerly awaiting the next match, and the tension will be palpable.

The players will have to be at the top of their game if they want to succeed.

The tournament is heating up, and it's anyone's game.

The next few days will be exciting, and the crowd will be on the edge of their seats.

The players will have to give it their all if they want to win.

The stakes are high, but the reward is worth it.

The tournament will continue to thrill and entertain, and the crowd will be loving every minute of it.