Newz Forum: OTHER: Myskina makes it a double blow for the Williams

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.