45-year-old Venus Williams has ended a 16 month absence from a WTA singles court with victory

The seven-time grand slam champion, who currently does not have a ranking and was given a wildcard at the Washington Open, has been sidelined with injuries and surgery.

But she's wound the clock back first-up, defeating world number 35 Peyton Stearns 6-3 6-4, who is 22 years her junior.



It's her first singles victory since 2023.

Williams next meets Poland's world number 24 Magdalena Frech .

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