Serena William, American tennis star, has been eliminated from the Australian Open — in the third round of the tournament.
The 38-year-old mother of one was dumped out of the first Grand Slam tournament of the tennis season by China’s Qiang Wang, losing 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 7-5.
The defeat means Serena’s search for a record-breaking 24th Grand Slam singles title continues.
Serena uncharacteristically made 56 errors in a match she dropped the first and needed tie break to force a third set which she eventually lost on her serve in the final game.
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It is Williams’ earliest exit in the Australian Open for 14 years — when she was eliminated at the same round by Daniela Hantuchova in 2006.
Speaking following her triumph, Wang, the 27th seed in Australia who was dispatched in 44 minutes at last season’s US Open by Serena, credited focus and a trust in her ability for the biggest upset yet in the tournament.
“After the second set I was a little bit confused, but my mind always said I had to focus on the court, on every point and trust myself,” the 26-year-old said.
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Quang Wang will now face 25-year-old Tunisian Ons Jabeur, ranked 78th in the world, in the fourth round.
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