MELBOURNE: America’s Serena Williams suffered a stunning third-round defeat to China’s Wang Qiang at the Australian Open on Friday, pushing Margaret Court’s 47-year-old record for career Grand Slam titles further from her grasp.

Williams, 38, was the bookies’ favourite to win a record-equalling 24th Major at Melbourne Park but she came unstuck against a determined Wang, who won 6-4, 6/7 (2/7), 7-5 — after taking only one game last time they met.