Wimbledon: Serena stunned by Lisicki

Williams came into the match on a 34-match winning run but found Lisicki too good in a ding-dong Centre Court battle and went down 6-2 1-6 6-4.

Williams surprisingly lost the first set but appeared to be well on way to victory when she dominated the second and claimed a 3-1 lead in the decider.

However, the big-serving Lisicki, who had reached the last eight on her previous three visits to SW19, was not to be denied and hit back to cause yet another upset at a tournament which is becoming known for them.

It was always slated to be the American's toughest challenge yet, but few could have predicted the enthralling duel that would follow.

Lisicki was overcome by emotion as she absorbed her achievement.

"I'm still shaking, I am so happy,'' she said, before beginning to cry.

"Serena played fantastically all match. She is such a tough opponent. It's just an amazing feeling to win this match.

"The crowd were amazing, thanks to them for their support.

"I love this court so much, it's such a special place for me.''

The first set was an incredible battle of wills, with Williams the first to buckle.

Having opened the sixth game with two aces, the American put a routine forehand wide before missing a sitter of a backhand, allowing Lisicki to break en route to taking the set.

Williams had looked a shadow of her normal self but went into the second set with renewed vigour, tearing through it in a mere 27 minutes.

The third set was more of a topsy-turvy affair, with both breaking serve on more than one occasion to the delight of the Centre Court crowd.

Lisicki looked more composed, though, and edged the match in two hours and four minutes, setting up a quarter-final clash with Laura Robson's conqueror, Kaia Kanepi.

"I am not thinking about that yet,'' Lisicki told the BBC.

"I did enjoy it. She played unbelievable shots, but I fought for every point, hung in there, it's unbelievable.''

Asked if she would be celebrating the win, Lisicki added: "No, not yet. The tournament is not over.''