Serena Williams out of French Open after shocking first round loss

Serena Williams lost in the first round of the French Open to Virginie Razzano (Patrick Kovarick, Getty Images)

Serena Williams is out of the French Open in shocking fashion. The American had been one of the favorites to win the singles title this year, but was knocked out by  Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, an epic match that lasted over four hours.

Williams lost the second set after giving up a 5-1 lead, and her poor form continued into the third set as she lost the first five games. On the cusp of elimination, Williams battled back to close to 5-3, but succumbed to Razzano after a lengthy tiebreaker that saw seven match points and five break points come and go without a victor.

Finally, on the eighth match point, the 111th-ranked Razzano completed her victory after Williams over-hit a shot over the baseline.