Rybakina out in biggest French Open upset so far

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: 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 40 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 2020, while it is her earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2024 Australian Open. Rybakina's early exit also means Aryna Sabalenka will keep her world number one ranking regardless of her result at Roland Garros. The 26-year-old needed to be reach the semi-finals to be in with a chance of ending Sabalenka's near-two-year reign at the top of rankings.

The Details

Heated exchange and no handshake in French Open row Published25 minutes agoTravelling solo and bunking up - life on the lower rung Published6 hours agoTwo-time major champion Rybakina made a bright start on Court Suzanne Lenglen, racing to a 5-1 lead before her game started to unravel. Rybakina was able to see out the opener but Starodubtseva won nine of the next 10 games to level the match and go 3-0 up in the decider. Rybakina never looked convincing despite clawing her way back from a double break down to force a tie-break, and a double fault on the opening point was a sign of things to come.

Starodubtseva continued to play aggressively to storm ahead and wrap up the biggest victory of her career. It is a second French Open upset in as many years for Ukraine's Starodubtseva, having beaten 2024 runner-up and fourth seed Jasmine Paolini in the second round last year. Elena is one of the top players, she's had an incredible year and I'm super proud of myself that I was able to do this today," Starodubtseva said.

She will face American 26th seed Hailey Baptiste or China's Wang Xiyu next.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.