French Open 2019: Serena Williams stunned by 20-year-old Sofia Kenin in third round

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

[WATCH THE FRENCH OPEN LIVE ON EUROSPORT AND EUROSPORT PLAYER]

Chasing Margaret Smith Court's all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Highlights: Serena loses in straight sets to Kenin

WTA Charleston

Collins 'so grateful' for Williams sisters' support after winning Charleston title

08/04/2024 at 10:11

In the players' first meeting, world number 35 Kenin pulled Williams around the court and made the most of her opponent's unforced errors to set up a last-16 encounter with Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty.

"I'm so happy with this win - obviously you can tell with these emotions," Kenin told the crowd through tears on Philippe Chatrier.

"Playing against Serena, you have to fight for every point."

Williams, 37, said she hoped she could still get in shape for Wimbledon and resume her pursuit of a 24th major title.

"I'm definitely feeling super short on matches and just getting in the swing of things," Williams told a news conference minutes after walking off the Philippe Chatrier Court.

Williams usually gives the Wimbledon warm-up events a miss and opts to train at her Florida base before travelling to Britain for the only grasscourt major in the year's calendar.

But needing time on court, she said she was thinking of playing a warm-up tournament this time around.

Serena Williams of The United States plays a backhand during her ladies singles third round match against Sofia Kenin of The United States during Day seven of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on June 01, 2019 in Paris, France.

Image credit: Getty Images

"I have some time on my hands so maybe I'll jump in and get a wildcard at one of these grasscourt events and see what happens."

Williams has competed at five Grand Slams events since the birth of her daughter in September 2017 but has struggled for game time this year, playing only five tournaments so far.

"I am glad I came (to Paris) but it has just been a really gruelling season for me," she said. "I feel like I had some great runs last year and I am hoping to still build on that this year and keep it going."

Generous with her words for Kenin, Williams said she had come up against a 20-year-old player who was in "unbelievable" form. Kenin is making only her second appearance in the French Open main draw and was knocked out in the first round in 2018.

"In that first set she hit inches from the line. I haven't played anyone like that in a while," she said, visibly disappointed.

Australian Open

Wilander compares Sabalenka play with 'power game of Serena Williams'

00:00:47

|

23/01/2024 at 11:37

Australian Open

‘I was a big fan’ - Noskova reveals idol amid dream run

22/01/2024 at 20:51

Australian Open

Gauff says Djokovic and Serena key to improved return game as she eyes Parks test

17/01/2024 at 20:46