EASTBOURNE, England – Venus Williams lost to Daniela Hantuchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 Thursday in the quarterfinals at Eastbourne.
Her defeat comes a day after sister Serena Williams lost to top-seeded Vera Zvonareva. Both sisters are returning from lengthy injury breaks.
Hantuchova had previously won only two sets in 10 previous meetings with Venus. But she has been in good form recently, reaching the Birmingham final last week. She advances to her third semifinal in her last four events.
Williams will aim for her sixth Wimbledon title when the tournament begins on Monday.
The American played her first event in five months since retiring with hip and abdominal injuries during the Australian Open in January.