It was the sisters’ first loss as a doubles team at the Games, having won 15 previous matches together, taking the title in 2000, 2008 and 2012. Just a day after 36-year-old Venus, suffering from a virus and stomach complaint, was beaten in the singles, the top-seeded sisters slumped to a 6-3, 6-4 defeat against the experienced Czech pair.

"It was what it was. We have a chance to compete for our country and did the best that we can. We had a blast out there," said 34-year-old Serena.

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Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova (right) and Barbora Strycova celebrate after defeating the Williams sisters Serena and Venus in the women's doubles event at Rio on Sunday. Pics/AFP

"I wouldn’t say it was devastating. It was a lot of fun and we will always remember these moments and these matches. At the end of the day, I think that’s what matters most," she added.

Serena is the defending champion in singles while Venus was the title winner in Sydney 16 years ago. Serena is still in contention for back-to-back Olympic titles having defeated Australia's Daria Gavrilova in her singles opener earlier Sunday.