French Open tennis 2021 - Elena Rybakina stuns Serena Williams and reaches French Open quarter-finals

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 06/06/2021 at 17:37 GMT

Serena Williams' wait for her elusive 24th Grand Slam singles title goes on after Elena Rybakina clinched a quite brilliant straight sets, 6-3 7-5, victory at the 2021 French Open. The American threw everything she possibly could at her opponent, but she simply could not match Rybakina, who was inspired on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Serena Williams suffered a fourth-round defeat at the French Open as Elena Rybakina produced the performance of her life to reach the quarter-finals in Paris.

The 21-year-old played an incredible match in front of the fans on Court Philippe Chatrier and would not be denied in a tense finale late in the second set.

Earlier, Rybakina had stamped her authority on the contest in commanding fashion by taking the opening set 6-3 and Serena simply could not get back into the match effectively enough.

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For Williams, her long wait for her elusive record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title goes on.

There was one moment that perhaps suggested it would not be Serena's day late in the second set at a crucial moment as a ball that was travelling out from Rybakina hit her opponent's racket with no intent.

'How impressive is that?!' - Rybakina wins first set against Serena

The defeat will come as a huge disappointment for the 39-year-old, particularly given that the draw had opened up very nicely for her to succeed in Paris this year.

With Aryna Sabalenka having joined Ash Barty in leaving the tournament with a defeat on Friday morning, and with Naomi Osaka having withdrawn, the path appeared as clear as it ever could be for Williams.

But now it is Rybakina who can capitalise after she clinched her place in the last eight in Paris.

The 21st seed will be the favourite in her quarter-final clash against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who earlier in the day defeated Victoria Azarenka in three sets.

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Watch all the action from the 2021 French Open live on Eurosport, eurosport.co.uk and the Eurosport app with 13-time champion Rafael Nadal eyeing a remarkable 14th title and 2020 Roland Garros sensation Iga Swiatek aiming to replicate her stunning triumph.

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