Serena Williams was sensationally bundled out of the Australian Open after an epic three-set fight with Czech seventh seed Karolina Pliskova on Wednesday for a semi-final spot.

Pliskova won 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 to set up a final four clash with Japanese fourth seed Naomi Osaka, ending the American great’s quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.