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Davenport Crashes Out, Kournikova Denied Chance at First Title by Beth Knizer Wind wrecked havoc today in more ways than one, as the top four seeded players fell out of the quarterfinal action. Two quarterfinal doubles matches were suspended by unsafe playing conditions (rain). Defending Wimbledon champion Lindsay Davenport fell in three sets to her Belgian opponent, Domininque van Roost. Davenport also fell to van Roost in the first round of Roland Garros. American Chanda Rubin stopped fan favorite Anna Kournikova on enroute to her first grasscourt title. Thursday Quarterfinal Results Dominique van Roost def. (1) Lindsay Davenport 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 In a tightly contested match, between players who have similar games, Dominique van Roost used her strength of serve and steady groundstrokes to upset no. 1 seed Lindsay Davenport. Davenport, who has been plagued by a recent back injury, could not find the answers to van Roost's blistering backhand. Anne Kremer def. Amanda Coetzer 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 World ranked no. 36 Anne Kremer upset third-seeded Amanda Coetzer in a match which was dominated by strong groundstrokes by the young Luxembourgian. Kremer's game continued to improve as the match went on hence providing a place in the semi-finals for her. Julie Halard-Decugis def. Nathalie Tauziat 6-4, 6-4 Julie Halard-Decugis once again utilized her steadiness and mobility about the court to defeat her fellow countrywoman and former doubles partner, Nathalie Tauziat. Chanda Rubin def. Anna Kournikova 7-5, 0-6, 6-3 After dropping the second set at love, American Chanda Rubin picked up her game, becoming stronger and stronger with every stroke, to deny Anna Kournikova the opportunity to reach the semi-finals of this tournament. Rubin used a mixture of experience and patience to out last her young Russian opponent. Thursday Quarterfinal Doubles Results Lisa Raymond/Rennae Stubbs def. Amanda Coetzer/Lori McNeil 6-2, 6-4 Nicole Arendt/Manon Bollegraf def. Amy Frazier/Katie Schlukebir 6-2, 7-5 'Out and About' on the Practices Courts' Seen out and about the practice courts included: Tatiana Panova, Nathalie Dechy and coach working on volleys. Amanda Coetzer and doubles partner Lori McNeil practicing serves and groundstrokes. Tell me more about......Dominique van Roost This experienced Belgian player had wonderful win over top-seed Davenport. She has played sparingly in the 2000 season due to the ill health of her mother, Louise Anne, who passed away on March 26, playing only Rome (lost second round) and Strasbourg (first round) prior to Roland Garros. Earlier in the year, she reached reached the quarterfinals of Sydney, defeating Coetzer from a 0-6, 2-5 deficit before falling to Hingis and reached the second round of the Australian Open extending eventual semifinalist Capriati 8-6 final set. Dominique reached a career high ranking of No. 9 following her wins over Venus Williams and top ranked Hingis at 1998 Filderstadt. She is coached by her husband Bart van Roost. Some quick bits (courtsey of the Sanex WTA Tour Media Information): |