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World No.1 Serena Williams failed to defend her Olympic gold medal after a third-round defeat to Elina Svitolina in Rio de Janeiro
Tennis Gear

Svitolina stuns Serena in Rio


 

Originally published on 10/08/16 00:00

World No.20 Svitolina had never beaten Williams in four previous meetings, including in the fourth round at this year's Roland Garros, where she won just two games against the top seed.

However, in her first Olympic Games, the Ukrainian produced a nerveless performance to secure a 6-4 6-3 victory at the Barra Olympic Tennis Centre.

“It’s more special being at the Olympics because for me the Olympics is the most, it’s unreal. To win a gold medal in the Olympics would make it so special and if I can do it, it will make it unreal,” said Svitolina, who will face Petra Kvitova in the quarter-finals.

Williams was bidding to become the first player to successfully defend an Olympic singles title after winning both singles and doubles at London 2012.

“It was a great opportunity but it didn’t work out the way I wanted it to, but at least I was able to make it to Rio; that was one of my goals,” said Williams.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.