Serena Williams stunned at Australian Open, ending record bid

It thwarts her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam crown. (AFP photo)

Serena Williams was sensationally knocked out of the Australian Open in the third round by China's Wang Qiang on Friday, torpedoing her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam crown.

Williams, 38, was the bookies' favourite to win an eighth title at Melbourne Park but she came unstuck against a determined Wang, who took only one game off the American last time they met.