Iga Swiatek lost for the first time in more than four months Saturday, falling to Alizé Cornet 6-4, 6-2 in the third round at Wimbledon.
The veteran Frenchwoman snapped Swiatek’s historic 37-match winning streak, one of the longest in the Open Era. Cornet’s victory advances her into the Round of 16 at Wimbledon for the first time since 2014, when she defeated then-No. 1 Serena Williams.
“It reminds me of the time I beat Serena on the same court, eight years ago exactly,” Cornet said in her post-match interview. “This court is a lucky charm for me.”
Cornet played a clean match to unravel the seemingly unbeatable Swiatek, firing five unforced errors to the World No. 1’s 17 in the opening set.
The 2022 season has been a landmark campaign for Cornet, who has tied Ai Sugiyama for the women’s record for most consecutive Grand Slams played at 62. In January, the 32-year-old played her way into her first major quarterfinal at the Australian Open, defeating former No. 1 Simona Halep.
Causing an upset on No.1 Court 🤝 @alizecornet
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2022
A moment to cherish for the Frenchwoman 🇫🇷#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/bHnVnxIQ80
Swiatek’s fellow French Open finalist Coco Gauff was also bounced in the third round, falling to fellow American Amanda Anisimova in three sets.
The No. 20 seed came back from a set down to clinch the 6-7 (7-4), 6-2, 6-1 win in her Centre Court debut.
“It’s my first time playing on Centre Court. It’s the most special day, I think, of my career,” Anisimova said after the game. “It’s just a huge privilege to play on this court … playing Coco. She’s an amazing player and just got to the finals of a Grand Slam. Before the match, I was just trying to prepare myself to soak in this moment whether I win or lose. Winning today is just so special.”