Russian roulette: Top seeds exit Roland Garros

Paris: It has been exactly four years since the semi-finals at a tennis grand slam have not had either the William sisters or the girls from Belgium playing. This year's last four in Roland Garros has two Russians, an Argentine player and just one former champion Jennifer Capriati. Anastacia Myskina seeded 6th is the highest ranked player left in the semi-final draw. That is the first time since 1978 that none of the top five women seeds have reached the semi-finals of a grand slam. Myskina has seven career singles titles but till now she has been treated as a quarter-final level player, that of course was until her upset over Venus Williams. However, Jennifer Capriati stands in the way of Myskina becoming Russia's first ladies winner at Roland Garros. Big win The three-time grand slam champion is coming off a big win over Serena Williams. It is not often that an opponent manages to bring out this kind of frustration in Serena, so used to being Numero uno. Capriati symbolises plenty of power but she is also capable of the delicate stuff and the 28-year-old is attempting to win her second French open title. Paula Suarez meanwhile, seems to be the most unlikely semi-finalist. The five-time doubles grand slam champion is in her first singles semi-final and bidding to become the first Argentine woman to win at Roland Garros. Weak link Suarez had the easiest time in the quarters getting past an erratic and under confident Maria Sharapova. Elena Dementieva on form looks a better player than Suarez after wins over Lindsay Davenport and Amelie Mauresmo. The 22-year-old Russian seeded 9th has a good all round court game with just her serve being a weak link.