Australian Open: Serena Williams crashes out to Ana Ivanovic – in pictures

Serena Williams, the reigning Australian Open champion and winner of 17 grand slam titles, had never lost to her opponent, Ana Ivanovic, who was seeded 14th going into this year's tournament Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The Serb, Ivanovic, was broken twice in the opening set and failed to convert three of four break point opportunities of her own Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

With Williams having won the first set 6-4, a routine victory looked likely ... especially as she had been on a 25-match winning streak stretching back to August Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

But the American was pushed around the court in the second set and the back injury she sustained in practice prior to her previous match with Daniela Hantuchova appeared to trouble her Photograph: Aaron Favila/AP

Ivanovic, herself a former world number one, struck far more winners than her opponent during the match (33 to 22) – and it was this form which enabled her to claim the second set 6-3 Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

She was particularly effective with her forehand (registering 22 winners) Photograph: Li Jundong/REX/Li Jundong/REX

As the third set tilted in Ivanovic's favour, Williams sensed defeat. She was warned for a time violation at one stage when serving to stay in the match Photograph: JASON REED/REUTERS

Ivanovic served out the match by holding to love (sealing a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 win). The victory took just under two hours Photograph: Jon Buckle/Press Association Images

It was a thoroughly deserved triumph for the Serb, who had only reached one grand slam quarter-final since winning the French Open in 2008 Photograph: Jon Buckle/Press Association Images

Williams was in frank mood afterwards. She told the media: "I almost pulled out. I probably should have. But I don't want to blame anything. I feel like Ana deserves all the credit" Photograph: MAL FAIRCLOUGH/AFP/Getty Images