PARIS - Serena Williams's quest for a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Chasing Margaret Smith Court's all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the players' first meeting, world number 35 Kenin pulled Williams around the court and made the most of her opponent's unforced errors to set up a last-16 encounter with Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty.

Williams, who won the last of her 23 major singles titles at the 2017 Australian Open, suffered her earliest Grand Slam exit since Wimbledon 2014.

"It's a lot of emotion, she's such a great player, a true champion, so much respect for her," said Kenin, who was booed by a fraction of the crowd while Williams left the court to a standing ovation.

"Playing against Serena, you've got to fight for every point, she's such tough player, I'm so happy with this win."

Kenin, who won her maiden singles WTA title this season in Hobart, made the most of Williams's shaky start, breaking for 3-2 as the 10th seed sprayed the court with unforced errors.

Reuters