Here’s the latest I can confirm based on recent coverage:
- Elena Rybakina was eliminated in the 2026 French Open second round, losing to Yuliia Starodubtseva in three sets (3-6, 6-1, 7-6). This marked a major upset and was her earliest Grand Slam exit since 2024 US Open.[2][3][4][5]
- In match details, Rybakina committed a high number of unforced errors (around 71) and struggled with first-serve percentage, contributing to the defeat against Starodubtseva, who was ranked 55th and produced the more consistent performance.[3][5][2]
- There have been past instances of Rybakina withdrawing due to illness at the French Open in 2023, but the current news consistently points to the 2026 upset rather than a withdrawal in 2026.[6][7]
If you’d like, I can pull exact match dates, set-by-set stats, or compile a quick one-page summary with key figures (aces, double faults, first-serve percentage, winners, unforced errors) and create a simple chart. I can also look for quotes from her or her opponent and note upcoming tournament plans. Would you like that?
Citations:
- Rybakina upset by Starodubtseva, second round, French Open 2026.[4][2][3]
- Match stats and context (unforced errors, tiebreak, etc.).[5][2][3]
- Historical note on prior illness-related withdrawal at 2023 French Open.[7][6]
Sources
Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina pulled out of the French Open before her third-round match Saturday due to illness.
www.espn.com.auWimbledon champion Elena Rybakina withdrew before her French Open third-round match due to illness.
www.nbcsports.comSecond-ranked Elena Rybakina was beaten by 55th-ranked Ukrainian opponent Yuliia Starodubtseva 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4) in the second round of the French Open.
africa.espn.comElena Rybakina was among the French Open title favourites alongside defending champion Iga Swiatek and Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka after winning the Rome title but she has been forced to withdraw due to illness
www.skysports.comReigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the French Open before her third-round match on Saturday because she is sick
www.tennis.comelena rybakina faces a shocking defeat against jasmine paolini in the quarterfinal game of the roland garros tournament another major upset where the world number 4 was completely outplayed by the 12thseeded italian in this contest great 3set game where we have witnessed another great player getting eliminated
inshorts.comSecond-ranked Elena Rybakina was beaten by 55th-ranked Ukrainian opponent Yuliia Starodubtseva 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4) in the second round of the French Open.
www.espn.comWorld number two Elena Rybakina suffers a second-round defeat by Yuliia Starodubtseva in the biggest French Open upset so far.
www.bbc.co.ukThe two-time grand slam champion was upset by Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva, who joins Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk in the third round
www.independent.co.ukRybakina becomes the highest seeded player eliminated from the French Open
www.cbssports.com