WASHINGTON: Venus Williams enjoyed a winning return to tennis after more than a year away from the game as the 45-year-old American teamed up with compatriot Hailey Baptiste to win their round of 16 women’s doubles tie at the Washington Open on Monday.
The seven-times Grand Slam singles champion had not played a competitive match in 16 months, with her last appearance on the WTA Tour coming at the Miami Open in March last year.
Williams and Baptiste beat Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3, 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals in Washington, and the former world No 1 said if felt “inspiring” to be back on court.