Venus Williams makes winning return to WTA Tour

Venus Williams in action

Venus Williams made a winning return to the WTA Tour as she ousted compatriot Katie Volynets 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 at the Auckland Classic.

The 42-year-old Williams had to overcome a player less than half her age to progress in New Zealand.

The 2023 season will be Williams’ 27th as a professional but she has indicated that she could be playing a lot more than she did in 2022.

A few wins will certainly do Williams good in terms of getting more matches and also boosting her ranking to ensure that she will be eligible for direct entry to more events.

Volynets appeared to have control of the first set tiebreak but when a rain delay hit, Williams was able to come into her own.

The Auckland Classic is the only preparation that Williams will be afforded for her 25th entry into the Australian Open.

Williams, whose previous match was a first-round loss at the US Open, conceded that the break might have snapped her opponent’s momentum but it demonstrates the benefit of experience for a player with so many years on the tour.

“It’s hard when you’re all fired up and just suddenly you have to stop,” said Williams.

“I was so mad on the rain break. My coach could barely talk to me so I’m going to try to improve my attitude.”

Williams has  tumbled out of the top 1000 in the rankings, but during the second set against 114th-ranked qualifier Volynets, she showed flashes of her former class and her fitness is incredible.

The retiring great Serena Williams, Venus’ younger sister, won the 2020 edition of the Auckland Classic, which is being held for the first time in three years.

Venus Williams will move on to face China’s Zhu Lin in the second round in Auckland after she upset another American in sixth seed Madison Brengle 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4.

Third seeded Canadian Leylah Fernandez continued her comeback from injury by notching a quick win.

The rising Canadian star dropped just 14 points on her way to a 6-1, 6-1 defeat of 15-year-old Czech wildcard Brenda Fruhvirtova the sister of another teen sensation Linda.

The Fruhvirtova sisters have been spotted by Patrick Mouratoglou and been recipients of assistance from his Foundation.

Top-seeded American and world No 7 Coco Gauff will open her campaign on Tuesday while three former Grand Slam winners – Briton Emma Raducanu and US pair Sloane Stephens and Sofia Kenin will also be in action.

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal not concerned about pre-season form

Latest