Serena blames herself for her quarter-final defeat to Kuznetsova

Serena Williams blames herself for her quarter-final defeat to Svetlana Kuznetsova

Serena Williams blames herself for her quarter-final defeat to Svetlana Kuznetsova

Serena Williams felt she was her own worst enemy as she lost an epic three-setter to Svetlana Kuznetsova in the French Open quarter-finals yesterday to dash her hopes of landing a second Roland Garros title.

USA's Serena Williams falls over during her French Open quarter-final against Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova at Roland Garros

Williams, the second seed, will have to wait another year to repeat her title-winning exploits of 2002 after being downed 7-6, (7-3), 5-7, 7-5 by seventh seed Kuznetsova on Suzanne Lenglen court.

While the Russian can look forward to a semi-final against 30th seed Sam Stosur today, Williams was left to reflect on what might have been, putting the blame for her defeat firmly at her own door.

"In the third set, I had an opportunity and I got really tight. And I pretty much gave it to her," said the 27-year-old.

"It was like I said, 'Here, do you want to go to the semis? Because I don't'. And she was like, 'Okay'.

"I made it hard for myself more than anything. Honestly, I think I lost because of me and not because of anything she did. I don't think that makes it easier."

Williams added it was the first time she had 'got tight' since the Australian Open in 2007, a year she went on to win the title at Melbourne Park.

Meanwhile, Kuznetsova took pride in her win. "It was a very tough match. I'm very proud that I pushed myself and fought for the third set. She's a great champion, I respect her. Neither of us played great today but we both fought hard," she said.