World number two Rybakina out in biggest French Open upset so far
Elena Rybakina, the world number two, faced a shocking second-round defeat at the French Open against 55th-ranked Yuliia Starodubtseva. Despite winning the first set, Rybakina struggled with unforced errors and ultimately lost the match 3-6, 6-1, 7-6. This marks Rybakina's earliest exit from a Grand Slam since 2024 and ensures Aryna Sabalenka retains her world number one ranking.
- ▪Elena Rybakina lost to Yuliia Starodubtseva in the second round of the French Open.
- ▪Rybakina committed 71 unforced errors during the match.
- ▪This defeat is Rybakina's earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2024 Australian Open.
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Rybakina out in biggest French Open upset so far Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Elena Rybakina is a two-time quarter-finalist at the French OpenByEmily SalleyBBC Sport journalistPublished27 May 2026, 17:11 BSTUpdated 3 minutes agoWorld number two Elena Rybakina suffered a surprise second-round defeat by 55th-ranked Yuliia Starodubtseva in the biggest French Open upset so far.Despite winning the opening set, Rybakina looked far from her clinical best as Starodubtseva mounted an impressive comeback to win 3-6 6-1 7-6 (10-4).Known for her big serve and precise hitting, reigning Australian Open champion Rybakina committed 71 unforced errors and landed just 53% of her first serves.It is the first time Kazakhstan's Rybakina has failed to reach the third round at the Paris major since…
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