Venus wins a double in Charleston

Venus Williams (photo by Daniel Ward)

Some players had to double up at the Family Circle Cup today because of yesterday's rain. Venus Williams faced countrywoman Varvaro Lepchenko this morning and defeated her 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Later, Williams returned to the stadium and defeated countrywoman number 2, Madison Keys. Williams' 6-4, 6-4 win over Keys puts her into the semifinals.

Keys also had to play two matches today. She defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands 7-6, 6-4, but she took the long road to get to the victory. Keys was up 5-1 in the first set when Mattek-Sands pulled out five straight games. Later, Mattek-Sands went up 4-2 in the tiebreak, but Keys was able to come back again.

Madison Keys (photo by Daniel Ward)

2007 champion Jelena Jankovic also entered the semifinals today when she defeated Eugenie Bouchard 6-2, 6-1 in just over an hour. Jankovic's defeat of Bouchard was her 500th career win.