Melbourne: Venus Williams' comeback was brought to a sensational halt with a straight sets defeat to American veteran Lisa Raymond at the Australian Open today (Jan 24, 2004).

Williams, playing in her first tournament since last July's Wimbledon final after six months on the sidelines with an abdominal injury, was stunned 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) after an inspired display by the 30-year-old Raymond.

Former world number one Williams was under pressure throughout against the 25th seed, a 15-year veteran of the women's circuit who has only been beyond the third round at a Grand Slam seven times in 44 attempts.

Third-seeded Williams afterwards said she was struggling to come to terms with her worst Grand Slam performance since losing in the first round of the 2001 French Open.

"I'm pretty much in shock," the 23-year-old said. "I still can't believe it. That's the way I feel after every loss."

"But that's the way it goes. You win some...you lose some. I definitely had a lot of high hopes to do well here and of course ultimately to win. The best player will - unfortunately it wasn't me in this fortnight."

Williams paid tribute to her opponent. "She played really well. She hung in there and played a lot of good shots and was really determined," Williams said. "She has everything - good serve, good return, good groundstrokes, good volleys, good movement."