Venus Williams crashes out of Cincinnati Open

Venus Williams has exited the Western & Southern Open following a defeat to Elena Vesnina over three sets.

The Russian completed a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 victory over the American in two hours and 18 minutes at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason.

Williams lacked the clinical touch throughout, converting just five of her 11 break points, while both players combined for 22 double faults.

However, an early break in the deciding game gave Vesnina the foothold she needed to put Williams to the sword and advance to round three.