Kerber knocked out at Brisbane international, top 5 all lose as WTA 2017 begins

Serena Williams

Having struggled with injuries off and on during the 2016 season, a well-rested Serena Williams looked to make a comeback in the new season and regain her top spot – which she can still do by the Australian Open.

But the younger Williams sister, the top seed at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, lost out in the second round to compatriot Madison Brengle in the second round of the tournament. 72^nd ranked Brengle joked about Williams “thinking [I] was rubbish” during the course of the match but would go on to beat her after taking the pair’s second set to tiebreak.

Brengle eventually lost out to Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals.

Madison Brengle bt Serena Williams 6-4, 7-6, 6-4