The moment in Serena Williams' shock loss that everyone can't stop talking about.

In a dramatic clash that tennis fans are already calling the match of the Australian Open, Serena Williams was defeated by Czech former world number one Karolina Pliskova today.

It was a match which ended in a spectacular third-set upset and saw Williams’ opponent battle from 5-1 to a 7-5 win, securing her position in the semi finals, and costing Williams hers. By all accounts – a nail-biter from start to finish, with both players demonstrating world-class, breathtaking tennis and painful dedication to the win.

But there’s one moment people can’t stop talking about.

A foot fault call on Serena by the umpire in the third set match point – which would have potentially been the serve that won her the game.

A technical call which came moments before she rolled her ankle, and which many believe ultimately led to her demise – a reality of any sportsperson rattled, if minor, by their own error.

#SerenaWilliams loses at #AusOpen after questionable “foot fault” call during match point. An ankle injury later, combined with solid play by #Pliskova, ousts #Serena in the quarterfinals of the year’s first tennis major.#AustralianOpen #AusOpen2019 #AusOpen19 pic.twitter.com/s7vaR8jeIF

— Drew Ramsey (@DrewRamsey1215) January 23, 2019

Loyal fans of Williams challenged the foot fault on Twitter, suggesting she was the subject of unfair treatment by umpires:

This is a blowup of the #SerenaWilliams foot fault on match point. #AusOpen2019 pic.twitter.com/CLVPWN9aSV

— atpconfidential (@atpconfidential) January 23, 2019

A foot fault on match point? Once again, an overzealous umpire takes center stage at a Grand Slam tennis match featuring Serena Williams. #AusOpen⁠ ⁠

— Joseph Neese (@josephneese) January 23, 2019

The majors absolutely have it against Serena Williams. For whatever reason. That foot fault was atrocious. And the time suspect. #AusOpen

— Jeremy Richardson (@jackmc9984) January 23, 2019

Serena Williams called for foot fault on match point – no other foot fault was called in the entire match. Serena then severely hurts ankle. This looks insanely fishy. #AustralianOpen2019

— E. James (@ell107) January 23, 2019

How is it possible that @serenawilliams gets called for a foot fault on match point? I’ve never seen another @wta player called for foot faults, let alone at critical junctures in a major.

— jared willey (@jaredwilley) January 23, 2019

While others agreed with the call:

Looked like a clear foot fault, so don’t blame them for doing their job

— Wil Livengood (@wil_livengood) January 23, 2019

It was 100% a foot fault lmao

— Nick K (@Nicks_Twit88) January 23, 2019

if it’s a foot fault, it’s a foot fault. regardless of the time. as a player, dont make that mistake.

— Ewan (@EwansNumber1Fan) January 23, 2019

Some media have taken the incident and her lack of reaction as a chance to re-hash her heated and headline-hitting exchange with an umpire during the 2018 US Open final against Naomi Osaka, and the 2009 US Open semi-final where a lineswoman claimed Williams had threatened to her.

In the post-match interview, however, Williams applauded Pliskova’s incredible third set comeback, expressing her respect of her opponent’s fight to the end. While disappointed – adding that, in truth, her goal is always winning – the devastating foot fault was barely mentioned.

But as Williams wiped away tears away on her way back to the locker room it was clear the loss had hit her.

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