Makarova stuns Serena

RUSSIA'S Ekaterina Makarova etched her name into Australian Open folklore by stunning Serena Williams 6-2 6-3 in their fourth-round match to end the American's aura of invincibility at Melbourne Park.Williams, who twisted an ankle in the lead-up to the tournament, was slowed by injury in the 82-minutes match on Rod Laver Arena but refused to blame it for her sensational loss to the Russian world number 56."She played really well, she went for broke on a lot of shots," Williams, a five-time Australian Open winner, said."I made 37 errors and that pretty much told the story of the match."It was definitely hard moving to that (left) side ... I just did not serve well, it was just disastrous really."I never blame any injury I have because I feel like she played really well and deserved the win."The 13-time Grand Slam champion was a picture of torment throughout, serving up seven double-faults and routinely pushing her ground-strokes wide.But Makarova, the lowest-ranked player to reach the last 16, served it up to Williams, absorbing her firepower and returning it with interest.The 23-year-old fired sweetly struck winners on important points and showed nerves of steel as she closed out the match on her fourth match point when 12th seed Williams, serving to stay in the match, pushed a backhand wide.
Click here to read full news..