Simona Halep stunned by qualifier at Australian Open

World No 2 Simona Halep was sensationally dumped out of the Australian Open by qualifier Zhang Shuai.

Shuai of China pulled off a stunning 6-4 6-3 win over the Romanian on Margaret Court Arena - her first win at a Grand Slam in 15 attempts.

Halep had a dreadful match, serving poorly and allowing Zheng to bully her from the baseline and then punish her at the net with crisp volleying.

"I'm so excited that I played so well," said Zhang, who burst into tears during her courtside interview.

"I'm so happy, so excited at beating the world's No 2 player."

The 27-year-old, ranked 133 in the world, said it was the "most memorable moment of my tennis life".

"She was better today. It's tough. I'm really disappointed. But it's only one day, only one match. Tomorrow, it's a new day," said Halep, who denied a niggling Achilles injury played a part in the defeat.

"I have to look forward and to stay motivated. You know, everyone can lose, everyone can win. I know that. I have just to take it like it is and look ahead."

Halep would have known little about her opponent before the match - and before she knew it she was 4-0 down in an astonishing start to the match.

Halep finally got a break in the fifth game and looked to be clawing herself back into the match at 2-4, but Zhang kept her nose in front to take the first set.

Halep appeared to regain her composure as the second set unfolded, taking a 3-1 lead, but that was as good as it got - Zhang moved up several gears and rattled off five straight games to pull off one of the biggest shocks at Grand Slams in recent years.

It was a huge setback for Halep, who is enjoying her highest ever ranking after a stellar 2015 in which she won titles at Shenzhen, Dubai and Indian Wells.

She made clear ahead of the tournament that the ultimate goal was Grand Slam glory - but that will now be on hold until the French Open.