Madison Brengle stuns erratic Serena Williams in Auckland Classic

Reuters | Updated: Jan 4, 2017, 01:35 PM IST

Serena Williams of USA reacts in her match against Madison Brengle of USA on day three of the ASB Classic on January 4, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand

First big upset of the season.

Serena Williams crashed out of the Auckland Classic after fellow American Madison Brengle pulled off a 6-4 6-7(3) 6-4 upset in a see-saw second round contest on Wednesday.

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Brengle was 1-4 down before the 26-year-old staged a brilliant comeback to run away with the first set against the 22-times grand slam singles champion who had constant trouble with her ball toss in the swirling wind.

Williams was a set and 4-3 down when she made a comeback of her own, breaking with a delicate drop shot and unleashing a running defensive forehand to clinch the tie-breaker and force the decider.

Playing her first tournament since losing to Karolina Pliskova in the semi-finals of the US Open last September, Williams went neck-and-neck with 72nd ranked Brengle before losing in two hours and 13 minutes.