Serena Williams stunned out of Wimbledon.

A lot of hard knocks in Wimbledon and today it was the turn of world No.1 and five-time champion Serena Williams to experience that sinking feeling.

The American crashed out of the grass court grand slam in the last-16 following a shock defeat by Germany's Sabine Lisicki -- her first reverse in 35 matches.

Favorite for the title, Williams lost the opening set 6-2 before roaring back to level a pulsating contest by taking the second 6-1.Serena, who had previously gone undefeated in 34 matches, struggled to match her German opponent, who made a superb start, while made a nightmare start to the contest.

But Lisicki, seeded 23rd at the tournament, produced one of the greatest performances of her career, coming from a break down to take the final set 6-4 and send shockwaves through tennis.

After knocking out the defending champion, the 23-year-old German burst into tears of joy when addressing the media for the first time.

"I am still shaking, I am so happy," she told the BBC.

"Serena played a fantastic match, she is such a tough opponent. It is an amazing feeling to win this match.

"This is such a special place for me and the crowd were brilliant to me. I gave it everything I had, I fought for every single point to try to win it somehow."

The German has never gone past the fourth round at any grand slam outside of Wimbledon but she has an impressive record at The All England Club, having reached the quarterfinals three times, and a curious one as well.

For she has beaten the reigning French Open champion at all four of her last Wimbledon championships.