posted on Jun, 1 2004 @ 03:24 PM
Fourth seed Venus Williams joined her sister Serena on the way to the French Open's exit
door as she was defeated in straight sets in the quarter-finals by Anastasia Myskina. Venus' loss came barely half an hour after her sister Serena's
defeat to Jennifer Capriati over on Centre Court.
The 22-year-old Russian, ranked fifth in the world, overcame Venus 6-3 6-4 in one hour and 12 minutes. This is the first time Myskina has progressed
to a Grand Slam semi-final. Venus, the fourth seed, committed far too many errors against Myskina. Myskina, the sixth seed, will meet 2001 French Open
champion Capriati in Thursday's semi-finals.
Williams was unable to play in the weeks leading up to the tournament because of an ankle injury, and she admitted it had been a factor.
Myskina swept past Venus in the first set, winning 6-3 in less than 30 minutes. She then broke Williams to take a 4-3 lead before winning her serve.
Leading 5-4, Myskina overcame three break points against her before sealing the match on her first opportunity when Venus fired a backhand wide.