Serena Williams has been knocked out of the French Open by Virginie Razzano in an enthralling first-round match at Roland Garros.
The American was immediately put under pressure by the home favourite, who was receiving great support from the Parisian crowd.
Razzano broke to take a 3-2 lead in the first, before Williams responded with the determination and class that has seen her win 13 Grand Slam titles.
She claimed consecutive breaks to snatch a competitive opener, but Razzano did not roll over in the second as many may have anticipated.
After presenting Williams with several break points, Razzano showed great character to hold serve and take the contest to 5-5.
Even when Razzano gifted the fifth seed two double faults in the eleventh game, she was able to fight back and force a tie-break.
Williams stormed into a 5-1 lead and seemed to have the match won, but Razzano reeled off six consecutive points to shock the American and the Roland Garros crowd alike.
A deflated Williams was then outplayed by the French star in the third as the world number 111 went 5-1 ahead.
The 2002 champion threatened a comeback when she pulled the score back to 5-3 but Razzano would clinch victory following an epic 25-minute ninth game.
Williams survived seven match points, but couldn't withstand an eighth as Razzano forced her to hit long and secured a memorable win in what is surely the highlight of the first round.
The defeat is the first time that Williams has been knocked out at the first hurdle of a Grand Slam in 47 appearances.
Read how the contest unfolded here.
Joe Fish
