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Four-Time Olympic Tennis Champion Williams Defeated By Ukrainian Player


Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina, in a devastating victory, knocked four-time Olympic champion Serena Williams out of the Rio games.
Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina, in a devastating victory, knocked four-time Olympic champion Serena Williams out of the Rio games.

Defending OIympic tennis champion Serena Williams was eliminated from the Rio games by a shocking loss to Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina.

The defeat of the reigning world champion in a 6-4 qualifying match on August 9 prevents her from securing a fifth Olympic gold medal.

Svitolina, 21, will face two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova for a place in the semifinals.

Williams was hampered by multiple errors and a shoulder injury, at one point screaming in pain.

"Obviously, I am very disappointed. The better player won, but I can't wait for next time," Williams, 34, said afterward.

"It's unreal. It's just the perfect moment," said Svitolina, who is ranked 20th in women's tennis.

"I didn't expect that I could win and I said don't think she will make a mistake," she said. "I tried not to think about playing Serena, the Olympic champion and so many Grand Slams."

Williams' defeat followed an equally shocking first-round loss for men's world No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, and dpa

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