Sabalenka Survives as Paolini Joins Top Seeds Crashing Out at Wimbledon

Paolini Exits Early as Sabalenka Holds Nerve in Wimbledon 2025 Upset Chaos

World number one Aryna Sabalenka weathered the storm of upsets at Wimbledon 2025 to advance to the third round, as fourth seed Jasmine Paolini suffered a shock defeat—becoming the latest top-10 casualty in a chaotic start to the Championships.

Sabalenka, who is aiming for her first Wimbledon crown, edged past Czech Marie Bouzkova 7-6(4) 6-4 in a gritty Centre Court battle, while Paolini fell 4-6 6-4 6-4 to world number 62 Kamilla Rakhimova in a rain-delayed contest on Court Three.

The Italian’s defeat marks the 16th seeded player eliminated from the women’s singles draw before the third round, a record-breaking statistic that has sent shockwaves through both singles brackets.

“I hope it is no upsets any more in this tournament, if you know what I mean!” Sabalenka quipped to the crowd after her win.

Sabalenka Embracing the Pressure

Sabalenka, 27, has reached the finals of both the Australian Open and French Open this year but fell short on both occasions. Determined to go one better on the grass at SW19, she kept her composure after gifting Bouzkova a break late in the first set, fighting back to force a tie-break she dominated.

A break in the fifth game of the second set proved enough as she raised her level with powerful groundstrokes and trademark intensity.

“I’m just trying to take it one step at a time,” Sabalenka said. “You can’t look at the draw too much—it creates doubt. Just focus on your own game.”

She now faces British number one Emma Raducanu in a blockbuster third-round showdown.

More Seeds Fall on Day Three

While Sabalenka marched on, Paolini joined a long list of high-profile exits from the women’s draw. The Italian fourth seed started brightly but faded as Rakhimova seized momentum midway through the second set.

After losing serve at the start of the decider, Paolini never recovered, bowing out on Rakhimova’s fourth match point.

Other notable seed exits on day three included:

• Diana Shnaider [12]

• Beatriz Haddad Maia [21]

• Donna Vekic [22]

• Leylah Fernandez [29]

Osaka, Keys Cruise Into Round Three

Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka and Madison Keys eased into the third round with straight-sets wins. Osaka, a four-time major winner, dispatched Katerina Siniakova 6-3 6-2, while Keys beat Olga Danilovic 6-4 6-2.

The women’s draw continues to open up dramatically, with only Sabalenka remaining among the top five seeds.