Statuesque Venus Williams was sent crashing to earth at the Australian Open on Thursday, the seven-time grand slam champion's second-round defeat creating the first major shock of the 2009 tournament.

Serena Williams of the United States returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Gisela Dulko of Argentina at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 22, 2009. Serena Williams won 2-0 (6-3, 7-5). [Xinhua]

The sixth seed was felled by free-hitting Spanish newcomer Carla Suarez Navarro 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 under floodlights, hours after sister Serena had survived a tricky encounter to advance.

"She was super consistent and aggressive and just went for her shots," Venus acknowledged. "I think she just played really well.

"We haven't quite figured out exactly which areas went wrong. But I definitely have to credit her.

"I don't believe in jinxes because I don't believe in witches or warlocks or magical creatures and stuff," she added when asked if she was frustrated at another early exit here after her first round loss in 2006.

Serena's champion's mentality lifted her to the third round despite a distinctly lukewarm performance. Facing Argentine Gisela Dulko, three-time champion Serena won the first set comfortably enough but had to overcome 3-0 and 5-2 deficits in the second to secure a 6-3, 7-5 victory in 110 minutes.

'D-minus' performance

"I was able to get through it not playing my best ... that's how I would sum it up," Serena said. "Lots and lots and lots and lots of room for improvement.

"It is always good to know that against me, at least these girls are bring their 'A' game. Today I was at a 'D-minus' but it is good that I won." Serena meets China's Peng Shuai next.