Many high-ranked seeds have been eliminated as Wimbledon reaches the Round of 16, highlighting the grass surface’s ability to level the playing field.
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek and World No. 2 Coco Gauff experienced upsets in the third and fourth rounds respectively, while Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 3 seed, had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. Last year’s finalists, 2023 champion Markéta Vondroušová and runner-up Ons Jabeur, are also out of the tournament early.
This year’s competition has showcased the impressive performances of former college athletes, a notable point in a sport where many players opt to turn professional without going through college. Lulu Sun, a Texas alum, defeated Emma Raducanu, while UVA graduate Emma Navarro bested Gauff in a match on the same day. Navarro, who will be part of the US Olympic tennis team later this month alongside Gauff, secured her spot after Madison Keys withdrew from the event.
Currently, the highest-ranked seed left in the competition is World No. 4 and 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina. Also, 2024 French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini continues her strong performance, reaching her first Wimbledon quarterfinal after defeating Madison Keys on Sunday.
The shift in favorited players sets the stage for an exciting tournament as it progresses to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.
