Venus Williams crashes out in round 1 of the Australian Open

Venus Williams reacts to the Melbourne defeat [Photo: Courtesy]

Last year's Australian Open finalist, Venus Williams, has crashed out on day one of this year's tournament on Monday, going down in straight sets to 20 year old, Belinda Bencic, at the Rod Laver Arena.

The world number five struggled to find her rhythm in the rain-interrupted first round match up, dropping the first set to Bencic, 6-3.

Although Williams fared better in the second, the in-form Swiss hitter outworked the American and sealed the victory 7-5, after breaking serve in the final game.

Bencic believes in their previous meetings, she showed the 7-time Grand Slam winner "too much respect."

"I played a little bit to careful and safe," she said.

"So this time I decided to come out and hit it big."

"You really have to be on the limit of your game here!"

It's the first time since 1997, the Australian Open will not feature either of the Williams sisters in the second round, after Serena withdrew from the tournament at the beginning of the month following her recent pregnancy.

"She played above and beyond," a disappointed Williams told Xinhua after the match.

"I don't think I played a bad match... maybe I had a few too many unforced errors."

"I think she just played well."

The defeat leaves the Williams family out of the second round of the for the first time since 1997, since Serena Williams, Venus’ sister is not participating in the tournament.