Rio 2016: Williams sisters suffer first ever Olympic women's doubles defeat

A sure shot gold isn't happening at the Rio Olympic Games for the United States. In the biggest upset possible, Serena and Venus Williams were shocked in the first round of doubles play in straight sets at the Rio Olympics. Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic disposed of the reigning and three-time Olympic champions 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday, 7 August. It was their first ever loss in an Olympic doubles match. The sisters had won their previous 15 matches, winning gold medals at Sydney in 2000, Athens in 2004 and London in 2012.

This loss comes a day after 36-year-old and sixth ranked Venus Williams - suffering from a virus and stomach complaint - was defeated in singles play to Belgium Kirsten Flipkens.

"It was what it was," Serena Williams said in a post-match press conference. "We have a chance to compete for our country and did the best that we can. We had a blast out there.

"I wouldn't say it was devastating. It was a lot of fun and we will always remember these moments and these matches. At the end of the day, I think that's what matters most."

The Williams sisters were matching their Czech opponents point-for-point in the second set and even lead 4-3 at one stage. It wasn't to be though as they lost three games in a row thereafter and were dumped out of the doubles event at the Olympics.

All is not lost for the Williams Sisters as sister Serena is still in contention for back-to-back Olympic titles having eased past Australia's Daria Gavrilova in her singles opener earlier in the day.