MELBOURNE (REUTERS) - Second seed Simona Halep was knocked out of the first round of the Australian Open by Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai on Tuesday, going down 4-6, 3-6 to the inspired world No. 133.

The 24-year-old Romanian, who came to Melbourne nursing an Achilles injury and suffering from a cold, left Margaret Court Arena in tears after the stunning upset.

Zhang was also reduced to tears after securing her first victory in a Grand Slam main singles draw at her 15th attempt, shrieking as she secured victory after 78 minutes.

"I'm so excited and happy," she said in a courtside interview. "I want to thank my coach and parents and to everybody for supporting me. I think today is my best moment."

Zhang, who will turn 27 on Thursday, will face France's Alize Cornet in the second round at Melbourne Park.