Jankovic ousts Serena

Jankovic triumphed 6-3 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena in a hard-fought last eight encounter to qualify for the semi-finals of the season`s opening Grand Slam for the first time.

Jankovic claimed the decisive break of serve in the fifth game of the first set to go ahead when Williams stretched to reach a forehand and could only hit her return into the net.

The seventh seed had chances to break back at 30-40 on Jankovic`s next service game but the Serb dug deep to hold. Jankovic then had three set points at 5-3 on Williams` serve and although a deep forehand proved too good, the American put an easy volley into the net.

Williams` inconsistencies were highlighted in the second game of the second set when at 15-40 down on serve, she produced a fine cross-court backhand winner before hitting a tame return into the net to fall 2-0 behind.

But she broke back immediately when mercilessly dispatching a weak Jankovic return only for the Serb to return the compliment with a backhand pass down the line.

The third seed then relinquished her advantage when she hit a return long before both players took medical time-outs.

Jankovic returned to the court with her thigh strapped while Williams was struggling with a blister and a marathon game then ensued before the latter held her serve to make it 3-3.

William pushed her opponent all the way in the next but then lost her serve as Jankovic converted the first of two break points.

She again displayed her battling qualities to make it 5-4 but two double faults handed Jankovic match point and Williams put a forehand wide to end her participation in Melbourne.