They used to refer to Court 2 as the Graveyard of Champion s but, when it comes to the women's draw, it's not just a court but a whole postcode.
The last nine women's singles titles have been claimed by first-time winners and the odds are that it will become 10 next weekend.
Barbora Krejčíková, the winner here two years ago, is the only player in the last 16 who has won the title before, following Saturday's exits for defending champion Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina, the 2022 winner.
Some will argue such unpredictability keeps the storylines fresh, but tennis is a sport built around rivalries and dynasties, and it's hard to build emotional connections when the champion changes every year.
Indeed, 'women's singles winners of the last decade' is a Pointless question waiting to happen. Markéta Vondroušová, anyone?
"With my ruffled socks, light-up trainers and chubby cheeks!"
Alexandra Eala’s post-match interview is everything 🫶 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/pEOTRfmOPB— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2026
Three years ago, Swiatek presented Alexandra Eala with her diploma after she graduated from Rafael Nadal's tennis academy. She repaid the favour by issuing her All England Club marching orders, winning 7-6 6-2 on Centre Court.
Eala, 21, is a megastar in the Philippines and, while you fear she lacks the power to really challenge for the title, her deft use of angles and canny application of spin, especially off her left-handed forehand, mean she outthinks rather than outpowers opponents.
"For someone who grew up in the Philippines and went to train with my brother and grandfather every day after school with my ruffled socks and light-up shoes and chubby cheeks, this is everything," said Eala, who will face Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the last 16.
"Just because I am emotional does not mean I am satisfied. Next round, let's go because being here is such a blessing. I'm taking it. If I have the opportunity, I’m taking it."
Centre Court rises for Iga Swiatek.
Our defending champion departs, but not without a fight. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/dEFTnD8OUU— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2026
Swiatek is a six-time Grand Slam winner but has not gone beyond the last eight at any of the four Slams since her Wimbledon win last year. When the new WTA Tour rankings are released in eight days, she will be outside the top 10 for the first time in five years.
She parted ways with Wim Fissette, who guided her to All England Club success, in April, adding Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig to her team. But she admits it is the mental side of her game that continues to let her down.
"She is not beating you, you are losing," Roig told her from a clearly exasperated players' box.
"Honestly, I don't care anymore about the results," said Swiatek. "I've been so focused on them that it's hard to keep going like that. I'm really trying to let it go.
"I don't have good results at the moment, so I'm not going to expect good results because they're just not happening. I'm not at that level yet. I need to work from the beginning and just try to get my tennis better.
"I'm just struggling to find the right balance. Earlier this year I was playing too fast and it cost me some matches. Today I didn't find the right balance between being aggressive and being solid, and she played better in the important moments."
Belgium's Elise Mertens seized her chances while Rybakina spurned hers in a reversal of their meeting at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Rybakina was seeded second but looked well below her best as Mertens, who has never gone beyond the fourth round here, won 7-6 6-1.
"If I knew what was wrong, I wouldn't be in this situation right now. I need to analyse and change something because right now it's not working," she said.
Mertens reached the fringes of the world's top 10 eight years ago, when she produced what remains her best Grand Slam singles performance by reaching the semi-finals in Melbourne.
A six-time Grand Slam doubles champion, she now faces Czechia's Marie Bouzková with confidence high, her game always well suited to grass.
"It's definitely one of my most memorable wins, especially against her here at Wimbledon," said Mertens.
"It's difficult to say whether I'm back to my best. Tennis has evolved quite a bit and there are a lot of hard hitters on tour now. I feel the level across the tour is much closer than it used to be. You can see that in the rankings and the results.
"In Melbourne it was difficult to do anything against her. She went on to win the tournament, so I thought, 'Okay, I lost to the champion.'
"I raised my level a little bit and didn't make too many silly mistakes. I had the momentum and knew I had to keep my focus. I really had the fire in me."
Someone will leave Centre Court with the biggest prize in tennis next Saturday. The harder task begins afterwards: proving they can come back and do it again.
