Australian Open favourite Serena Williams has been knocked out of the Melbourne event after a shock defeat to American teenager Sloane Stephens.
Stephens, who has admitted Williams is her childhood idol, triumphed 3-6, 7-5, 6-4, to set up a semi-final bout against world number one and reigning champion Victoria Azarenka.
Williams battled injury throughout the tournament with an ankle issue, while she struggled with a back problem against Stephens.
“I even screamed on the court,” Williams said. “I was like, aagh - I totally locked up after that. It was a little painful.
“It was hard to rotate to the backhand. I’m already on anti-inflammatories for my ankle, so you can’t do too much more.”
She added: “Oh my gosh. I’m almost relieved that it’s over because there was only so much I could do. It’s been a little difficult. I’ve been thrown a lot of balls these two weeks.
“Between the ankle, which is like this big every day and my back, which started hurting, there’s been a lot of stuff.”
However, take nothing away from Stephens who was buzzing after the stunning result.