Serena's pursuit of 24th major title on hold after French Open exit

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 1, 2019. Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during her third round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

PARIS (Reuters) - Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Chasing Margaret Smith Court's all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier.