Serena Williams, the tennis icon, has been ousted from the Australian Open in a stunning upset by Czech standout Karolina Pliskova. Pliskova, ranked eighth in the world, thwarted four match points to eliminate the seven-time champion in a drɑmɑtic final set at Rod Laver Arena, marking her first semi-final appearance at Melbourne Park with a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 triumph on Wednesday.

Reflecting on her victory, Pliskova acknowledged her passive play in the final set, remarking, “I played too passive. On the one hand I was (almost) in the locker room, now I’m standing here. It’s a good feeling.” Despite feeling the pressure, she capitalized on Williams’ wavering performance, which included 11 unforced errors and no break point opportunities in the first set.

Williams, 37, faced an early setback as Pliskova took a 3-1 lead in the opening set. Although Williams fought back, Pliskova clinched the set 6-4. In the second set, Pliskova broke Williams’ serve at 3-2, but Williams rallied to claim the set 6-4. With a 5-1 lead in the third set, Williams appeared poised for victory until an ankle injᴜry hindered her mobility, allowing Pliskova to mount a comeback and secure a 7-5 win in the decider.

Commentator Jelena Dokic noted Williams’ physical discomfort, observing, “She hasn’t been able to push up for the serve… It’s definitely affecting her.” Pliskova capitalized on Williams’ vulnerability, seizing the opportunity to level the score at 5-5 before ultimately clinching the match.

Williams, visibly distraught, exited the court, marking her earliest exit from the Australian Open since 2014. Her aspirations of matching Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles will have to wait until the French Open later this year. Pliskova, on the other hand, will face Japanese fourth seed Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals on Thursday.