Serena Williams crashed to the worst Grand Slam defeat of her career Tuesday evening when she slumped to a dramatic and thrilling 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 French Open loss to France's world number 111 Virginie Razzano.
It was the 30-year-old American's first ever exit at the opening round stage of a grand slam and she contrived to lose it after being a set up and 5-1 up in the second set tiebreaker.
On a night of unbearable tension on Philippe Chatrier Court, Williams then saved seven match points in the ninth game of the final set before Razzano finally clinched it.
Razzano will now face Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus for a place in the last 32.
Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, the fourth-seeded Czech, thrashed Australia's Ashleigh Barty 6-1, 6-2 to reach the second round.
Second seed Maria Sharapova beat Alexandra Cadantu of Romania 6-0, 6-0. and 9th seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmar beat Eleni Daniilidou of Greece, 6-0, 6-1.
In Men's play, Rafael Nadal cruised past Simone Bolelli of Italy 6 2 6 2 6 1 as he began his quest for a 7th Roland Garros title.
4th seed Andy Murray beat Tatsuma Ito of Japan 6 1 7 5 and 6 0.
There were also wins for French hopes Richard Gasquet and Jeremy Chardy and Spanish 6th seed David Ferrer.
