Melbourne, January 23: Serena Williams made an incredible exit from the Australian Open on Wednesday, giving up a 5-1 final-set lead to Karolina Pliskova in their quarter-final.
Serena rolled her ankle during the seventh game of the final set as she served for a spot to face Naomi Osaka in the last four in Melbourne.
Instead, the 23-time Grand Slam champion squandered four match points and lost six straight games, beaten 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena.
Serena lost 25 of the final 33 points of the match – including all 11 on serve – but was full of praise for Pliskova afterwards, while insisting she did not choke.
We take a closer look at how the match points, and crucial others, unfolded.
Serena serving at 5-1, 40-30 After being called for a foot fault, Serena is moved around the court by Pliskova, who dictates with her forehand to win the point as her opponent rolls her left ankle.
Serena serving at 5-1, 40-40 Looking troubled by her ankle, Serena puts two serves into the net.
Serena serving at 5-1, 40-AD After missing another first serve, Serena sends a backhand almost halfway up the net to drop serve.
Pliskova serving at 2-5, 30-30 Two points from defeat, Pliskova produces an ace out wide.
Serena serving at 5-3, 0-15 Serena serves another double fault.
Pliskova serving at 4-5, 15-40 Serena's second match point is saved when Pliskova serves out wide and then hits a clean backhand winner down the line.
Pliskova serving at 4-5, 30-40 Pliskova's first serve only just misses down the T, but a forehand cross-court forces Serena into an error.
Pliskova serving at 4-5, 40-AD A fourth chance for Serena goes begging when Pliskova paints the baseline with a huge forehand.
Serena serving at 5-5, 0-15 Serena serves a third double fault in as many games, although these are long. She produced just four double faults for the match.
Pliskova serving at 6-5, 40-30 The comeback is completed when Pliskova hits a big serve down the T, controls the point and Serena puts a forehand into the net.
Find the best IPL odds at 10Cric! Bet on all matches directly from your mobile phone.
Play casino in India at 7Jackpots, and enjoy real money games with fast and secure withdrawal options.