- Venus Williams produced a poor performance as she crashed out on Monday
- Williams lost the first set 6-3 after Belinda Benic got an early foothold in the tie
- Bencic got more confident and shocked Williams by winning the second set 7-5
- The Swiss was ranked 78 in the world ahead of her match against Williams
Venus Williams was the most consistent of any player on the WTA Tour last year, but she began 2018 by becoming one of the first upset victims at the Australian Open.
Williams, who was beaten in the 2017 final by her sister Serena, went down 6-3, 7-5 to Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, following the defeat earlier of US Open champion Sloane Stephens, whose dreadful run continues.
Bencic, coached by Britain’s Iain Hughes, has long been touted as one of the game’s best prospects but her progress was halted last year when she missed five months due to having wrist surgery.
Since coming back her form has been electric, so even though she is ranked 78 compared to 37 year-old Williams being the fifth seed, this was not quite the seismic reverse it looked on paper.
More to follow
Venus Williams is out of the Australian Open after losing the first round on Monday
Belinda Bencic reacts after winning in straight sets against the former world No 1
Bencic celebrates after taking the second 7-5, which confirmed her place in the second round
Williams lacked composure on court and couldn’t seem to find the rhythm in her serves
Bencic was the total opposite as she played aggressive tennis that unsettled Williams
The Swiss gives a fist pump after winning a point during the first set on Monday
Williams, seeded fifth for the tournament, struggled to also find range in with her forehand