Williams took to the Lenglen Court at 4:00am CST USA when many of her American fans were likely asleep. After the early morning upset, Srebotnik offered her apologies.

“I’m sorry, I apologize to all her American fans, but I’m very happy for myself and excited,” Srebotnik said.

Before today Williams had led Srebotnik head to head 3-0, but was challenged in Charleston earlier this year by Sretbotnik before winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

But on this day Williams would fail to take many of her opportunities and convert only one of eight breakpoint chances.

"Last time she played better and she deserved to win," Srebotnik said. "But today I played better and I learned something from the match in Charleston."

Srebotnik's consistency combined with Williams' 25 unforced errors spelled a fatal day for Williams as she uncharateristically missed volleys and overheads thoughout the match. Williams saved two matchpoints in the final game of the match before sending a forehand wide to end the contest.

“I missed a lot of easy shots and a lot of key points that I felt like could have turned the match around. I wasn’t able to capitalize,” Williams said. “I wasn’t nervous. She was getting a lot of balls back, and I might have let that get into my head. She was just making some shots I don’t think she’s ever made before.”

Williams' exit ensures a new women's French Open champion as Williams was the only former women's champion left in the singles draw.