WIMBLEDON, England — The women’s draw at Wimbledon was torn apart Saturday as world No 1 Iga Swiatek was bounced 6-4, 6-2 by Alize Cornet of France in the third round, ending her 37-match winning streak.
Swiatek had won six straight tournaments, including her second French Open title, but found 32-year-old Cornet, the world No. 37, to be too good as she suffered only her fourth defeat of the year.
Swiatek’s win streak was the longest since Martina Hingis also won 37 matches in a row in 1997.
It’s the second time Cornet has caused a major shock at Wimbledon, having knocked out then-world No 1 Serena Williams at the same stage in 2014.
“I have no words right now,” Cornet said. “It reminds me of the time I beat Serena on the same court. I think [No. 1] court is a lucky charm for me.
“I think this kind of match is what I’m living for. I knew I could do it. Somehow I had this belief. I thought if there is I can beat her, it’s now.”
Cornet, who reached her first grand slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open in January, hit 16 winners and made just seven unforced errors in a near flawless performance. Swiatek, meanwhile, had 33 unforced errors and 21 winners.
Cornet broke twice as she raced to a 3-0 lead. Though Swiatek settled down, she could only get one of the breaks back as the Frenchwoman took the first set.
It looked as if Swiatek was back when she broke to lead 2-0 and was 40-15 up on her serve, only to lose six straight games as Cornet clinched another big upset.
