AUCKLAND: Seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams overcame a player less than half her age on Monday in a vintage performance in the first round of the Auckland Classic.
Playing her first match in four months, the 42-year-old unearthed some trademark power to notch a first win in more than a year, adding another footnote to a professional career that has stretched into a 27th season.
An hour-long rain interruption worked in Williams’ favour, as she resumed in style to beat fellow American Katie Volynets 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.
Volynets, who turned 21 on New Year’s Eve, was leading the first set tiebreaker when play was suspended but she faded in a match that stretched late into the evening.
The former world No.1 is using this week to prepare for her 25th tilt at the Australian Open, having accepted a wildcard entry to the tournaments in Auckland and Melbourne.
Williams has slipped outside the top 1,000 in the rankings but she showcased glimpses of her former class – and some creditable fitness – during the second set against 114th-ranked qualifier Volynets.
The tournament is being staged for the first time in three years, with the 2020 edition having been won by retired great Serena Williams – Venus’ younger sister.
Williams will face China’s Zhu Lin in the second round, after she upset American sixth seed Madison Brengle 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4.
Third seed Canadian Leylah Fernandez notched a rapid win, dropping just 14 points in a 6-1, 6-1 defeat of 15-year-old Czech wildcard Brenda Fruhvirtova.
Top-seeded American and world No.7 Coco Gauff opens her campaign on Tuesday.
