Defending champion Serena Williams is out of the Olympics after losing to Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the third round of the women’s singles.
The world number one lost 6-4 6-3 to Svitolina, ranked 20th in the world to cap a miserable Games for the Williams sisters.
Her struggles were highlighted by five double faults in the seventh game of the second set.
“It didn’t work out the way I wanted it to but at least I was able to make it to Rio – that was one of my goals,” Serena said.
“The better player today won but I know next time is going to be a really good match and I look forward to it.”
Svitolina, who will face the Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova in the quarter-finals, said: “It’s an unreal feeling for me. This is just a perfect moment.”
Williams had beaten Svitolina, 6-1, 6-1, in the fourth round of the French Open earlier this year.
She made the finals of the three Grand Slam tournaments so far this year, winning Wimbledon.
Williams and her sister Venus lost in the first round of doubles to Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic, who had never before played together. It was the first time the sisters had ever lost at the Olympics, which they have won three times.
Venus was eliminated in the first round of the singles to Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium.
Williams follows men’s top seed Novak Djokovic in exiting the Olympics after he was defeated in both singles and doubles.
The 34-year-old’s exit means Angelique Kerber and Madison Keys are the only top-eight seeds remaining of what had appeared a very strong field.
Kerber faces Britain’s Johanna Konta in the quarter-finals after both won their matches earlier on Tuesday.
