Elina Svitolina utterly shocked the Centre Court crowd, as well as the entire world, with her massive upset over the reigning Olympic gold medalist, Serena Williams. The Ukrainian just needed two sets to send the 22-time Grand Slam champion packing and with the win, she tallies her biggest career victory on one of the biggest stages in tennis. Svitolina dropped seven games in her 6-4, 6-3 win at the Rio Olympic Games.

Svitolina steals opening set in style

The American and the Ukrainian had played on four previous occasions before Tuesday with Serena leading their head-to-head series by a brutal 4-0. Their most recent meeting saw Svitolina just manage to get two games, but early match proceedings in Rio seemed to hint towards a more competitive match this time around. Svitolina dropped the first four games of the match before staying steady for a hold to deuce. It was not long before she was able to dial in and grab the first break of the match to take a 2-1 lead over the top seed. However, Serena immediately broke back for a level scoreboard. The pair then exchanged holds to 30 to arrive the set at three games apiece.

Svitolina is one of the young, talents on the WTA Tour, but has already managed to find herself within the world's top 20. She displayed top-20 tennis en route to crucially breaking her American counterpart. As the Ukrainian served up 4-3, it was apparent that she had settled her nerves in spite of an intimidating opponent across the net. She consolidated for a 5-3 advantage and soon was forced to serve out the set after Williams reeled off four straight points on her own serve. Svitolina wrapped up an enticing opening set in confident fashion with a routine hold. She needed just over 30 minutes to take the one-set advantage.

Serena Williams during her surprise loss to Elina Svitolina. Photo:  Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Serena Williams during her surprise loss to Elina Svitolina. Photo:  Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
 

Underdog seals the biggest win of her career

The second set began in familiar fashion as the players exchanged holds to love, but a strenuous game followed, which saw both players hold chances to take a 2-1 edge. However, it was the 15th seed who stole the break to grab control of the match. Svitolina could not get too comfortable considering Serena is known for her performances in the crucial moments of matches. The Ukrainian consolidated her early break with a lengthy hold before Williams shortened the gap with a hold of her own. Svitolina was two points away from a 6-4, 4-2 scoreline, but her hopes were soon crushed after Williams fought back to get the break right back.

The top seed's service game at three games all was fairly unusual and unfortunate for Serena. She saw three game-point opportunities slip away due to five double faults in the game. It was all downhill from there for the American as Svitolina was gifted with non-stop unforced errors from Williams' racquet. A hold to love by the 21-year-old put her within a game from knocking out the reigning Olympic gold medalist. Svitolina arrived at three match points and she needed all three chances before finally closing out the biggest upset of the event. Svitolina ousted Serena 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 12 minutes.

Elina Svitolina at the Rio Olympic Games. Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Elina Svitolina at the Rio Olympic Games. Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
 

Young gun faces Kvitova next

Svitolina attempts to back up her show-stopping performance when she goes head-to-head with Petra Kvitova for the fourth time. The Czech leads the Ukrainian two wins to one, but with the confidence of Svitolina, she may well be the favorite to advance to the semifinals at the Rio Olympic Games.

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About the author
Brooks Giardina
Brooks Giardina is a 15-year-old who has a major tennis addiction. When he is not on the tennis court, he is paying his attention to the ATP and WTA tours as an active fan and writer.