Pennetta upsets Venus Williams at Cincinnati

MASON, Ohio — Venus Williams has been knocked out of the Cincinnati Open, falling to Flavia Pennetta in straight sets.

Pennetta was dependable from the baseline Thursday throughout her 7-6 (2), 6-4 victory over Williams, who routinely dumped shots into the net or knocked them wide. Williams had 38 unforced errors in the match, which ended with her forehand that sailed long.

Pennetta reached the quarterfinals of the tournament, which was upgraded to a top-tier event this year. Her baseline game has given Williams trouble over the years — she’s 4-3 against the third-seeded American.