Venus Williams loses in French Open first round

The American veteran in her 24th appearance at the French Open lost 6-3, 6-1 to Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia.

United States Venus Williams walks back to her side of the court as she plays against Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova. (Photo | AP) 

PARIS: Venus Williams was runner-up at Roland Garros 19 years ago but has now lost her opening match at the clay-court major for the fourth year in a row.

The American veteran in her 24th appearance at the French Open lost 6-3, 6-1 to Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia.