Rezai stops Venus in Istanbul Cup second round

ISTANBUL, May 23 (Reuters) Unseeded Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai produced a major upset when she defeated former Wimbledon and US Open champion Venus Williams 6-4 6-4 in the second round of the Istanbul Cup today.

American Venus missed much of last year with injury and had been hoping to break into the world's top 16 by the start of the French Open, which starts on Sunday.

The 26-year-old is ranked 29th but had dropped as low as 71 after wrist and knee injuries.

Swiss third seed Patty Schnyder beat American Vania King 6-4 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Reuters AKD DB2047