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MELBOURNE - US Open champion Serena Williams became the biggest-name casualty so far at the Australian Open tennis yesterday, losing 3-6 3-6 to Russian Elena Likhovtseva.
Williams' fourth-round loss to the 16th seed and an engrossing battle between former French and US Open champion Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and sixth seed Barbara Schett ignited the women's draw of the season-opening Grand Slam tournament.
Williams, the third seed, on paper appeared set to reach the quarterfinals with ease but was in trouble early.
The 18-year-old's game fell apart completely against Likhovtseva, who had never made it past the fourth round in 23 previous Grand Slams and was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the ASB Bank Classic in Auckland this month despite being top seed.
"I just couldn't find any rhythm, all through the whole match," said Williams, who was close to tears after the defeat.
Williams said she could not remember the last time she was so disappointed by a loss.
The American, who made the third round last year, came into the tournament without playing any warm-up events. Her form had been picking up slowly after struggling with a lower back strain.
The fabled Williams serve, one of the fastest in the women's game at about 180 km/h, never came together.
Tennis: Williams crashes out as Open comes alive
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