Serena Williams knocked out of Olympics

Image source, Allsport/ getty images

Defending Olympic champion Serena Williams has been knocked out of Rio 2016.

The world number one was beaten by Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, 6-4 6-3 in the third round of the women's singles.

Williams was struggling during the match and hit 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," Williams said.

Image source, Allsport/ getty images

Image caption, Elina Svitolina celebrates after beating Serena Williams

"The better player today won but I know next time is going to be a really good match and I look forward to it."

Image source, Reuters

Serena and her sister Venus were also knocked out of the women's doubles on Sunday by Czech Republic pair Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova.