Venus Williams was beaten in the opening round today for the second time in 12 tournaments this season, losing 6-4 2-6 6-4 to Flavia Pennetta of Italy at the Kremlin Cup.
The sixth-seeded American, who also lost in the first round at Memphis in March, dropped to 1-3 against Pennetta.
"I totally came here because I love winning," Williams said.
"I have never won this title, but I just had a day where I could not control my game. She played well."
Pennetta and Williams traded breaks in the first set before the Italian broke decisively on her third chance in the ninth game with a successful lob.
Williams broke twice in the second set, but dropped serve in the first game of the third set and never recovered.
"I think the match was very tough," Pennetta said. "Venus is always a tough opponent.
"Today, I was playing my best tennis. My service was working very well. I am very happy with the match."
The 2004 US Open champion and fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova beat Li Na of China 6-4 7-5.
Kuznetsova, ranked No.7, has lost all seven of her WTA finals this season.
Seventh-seeded Vera Zvonareva ousted Maria Kirilenko 6-4 6-4 and Ekaterina Makarova beat Elena Vesnina 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-1) in all-Russian matches.
On the men's side, defending champion Nikolay Davydenko beat Florent Serra 6-1 7-5 and Uzbek qualifier Denis Istomin upset sixth-seeded Michael Llodra 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 in only his second ATP Tour match.
Robby Ginepri of the United States beat Jiri Vanek of the Czech Republic 6-3 6-4.
The sixth-ranked Davydenko had little trouble against the 53rd-ranked Serra in the opening set, but he needed a break in the 11th game to advance to the second round.
Davydenko is looking for his third straight title in Moscow.
"I would like to defend my title here, but as usual I'm my worst enemy," Davydenko said.
