IT was a day of tears and tantrums, dramas and drama queens. 

Maria Sharapova huffily departed after a shock defeat and the Williams sisters exited in the most bizarre circumstances yet.

Sharapova – ten years on from her breakthrough win here as a 17-year old – was beaten in a nerveless performance by German ninth seed Angelique Kerber.

It continues a woeful run for the Russian here, she’s mustered just one quarterfinal appearance in her last eight visits.

And she can have no complaints. She made 43 unforced errors and despite holding off six match points, the German seized her chance at the seventh time of asking for a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 victory that setsup an intriguing meeting with Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard.

“Despite the fact that I’ve lost here and haven’t had good results in recent years, I still love playing on grass. I think my game suits the surface extremely well,” said a sullen Sharapova.

“I always consider myself one of the favourites because I’ve won Grand Slams before and I’ve been number one in the world.

It’s absolutely normal for people to have high expectations of me doing well in Grand Slam stages. I have the same expectations.

“But you are seeing a younger generation that’s driving through the Grand Slam stages and playing exceptionally against top players.

“I’m disappointed but I’m not devastated. I’m in a much better position compared to last year.

“Last year I was sitting here with an injured shoulder not really sure what I was going to do with my life. I’m in a much better place now.”

Sharapova’s defeat means No 6 seed Petra Kvitova is the only player in the draw who knows what it’s like to win here.

Three years ago it opened up for her and it history could be repeating following her 6-1, 7-5 win over fellow Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.

“That was definitely a tough match and I knew her well and what I could expect from her,” said Kvitova, who faces Lucie Safarova in the next round.

“I’m not thinking about three years ago. It’s in the past, what happened in 2011 is not going to help me win in 2014. It’s good to know you’ve done it but every tournament is a new slate.”

But the day’s biggest drama came in the women’s doubles.

Serena Williams, who lost in the third round of the singles on Saturday, looked unable to even bounce the ball during her match with Kristina Barrois and Stefanie Voegele.

After eight wayward serves, including one 25mph effort, she repeatedly dropped the ball and appeared totally disorientated by her surroundings – video clips of which quickly went viral.

Clearly distressed, umpire Kader Nouni walked over to ask if she could continue – and 13 minutes later a tearful Serena walked off court.

It was a bizarre end to a tournament to forget for the five-time champion.