In-form Swiss Belinda Bencic has sent Venus Williams crashing out of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

Runner-up to sister Serena in last year’s final, Venus won’t be keeping the trophy in the family after falling 6-3 7-5 in a first-round boilover on Monday.

With Serena unable to defend her crown in 2018 following the birth last September of her first child, Venus’s early exit means there will be no Williams sibling in the second round of the Open for the first time in 21 years.

Bencic, who lost to Serena in the first round last year, was jubilant in victory on Rod Laver Arena, after most didn’t give her a chance when the draw came out.

“Oh, honestly, the first reaction from everyone was ‘oh bad luck’,” Bencic said.

“Of course it would be nice to play someone easier first round; get your rhythm.

“On the other hand, it’s a big court and when I was growing up I never thought I would get the chance to play Venus and Serena and now I’m getting the chance and I really enjoyed it.”

Roger Federer’s family were conspicuous supporters in the stands as the men’s defending champion’s Hopman Cup-winning teammate set up a second-round date with either Swede Johanna Larsson or Thai qualifier Luksika Kumkhum.

“I was happy when I heard they wanted to watch,” said 20-year-old Bencic, a one-time world No.7 on the comeback trail from injury.

“It was a difficult five months,” she said.

“The perspective changes a lot. I can appreciate it more. I’m not thinking about winning or losing. I’m just happy to be on court.”