SERENA Williamss hopes of making Grand Slam history are over after her worst Australian Open campaign for 14 years.
The American megastar was beaten 6-4 6-7 7-5 in the third round of the Australian Open by inspired Chinese star Qiang Wang.
It was a crushing blow to Williamss dreams of winning a record-equalling 24th major, which she been targeting ever since she gave birth to her daughter Olympia.
It would have been the perfect scenario if the 38-year-old had equalled Margaret Courts long-standing Slam tally in front of the controversial and cantankerous Australian a week on Saturday.
Yet that will not happen anymore after his shock loss to Wang, who celebrates Chinese New Year in style.
The No.27 seed will now face Tunisian Onsa Jabeur in the fourth round and has no plans to celebrate on Friday evening.
Wang, xx, said:
This is the first time since 2006 when Williams has failed to make at least the fourth round in the first Slam of the season.
The 2017 Aussie Open champion was taken apart in the first set by the No.27 seed.
She recovered to win the second set in a tie-breaker and would have been favourite to progress.
Yet Wang gained revenge for the US Open tanking last September — she won just one game at Flushing Meadows — by winning 7-5 in the third and decisive set.
It means Williams will now have to focus on Roland Garros and more realistically Wimbledon, hoping she can finally tie level in Paris or London before ending her career.
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