Venus Williams made her return to the tennis court this week after a 16-month absence.
The 45-year-old earned a victory in straight sets against 23-year-old opponent, Peyton Stearns, at the Citi DC Open on Tuesday night in Washington D.C.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion became the oldest player to win a tour-level singles match since 47-year-old Martina Navratilova defeated Catalina Castano at Wimbledon in 2004.
Williams could not overcome 27-year-old Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-2, in the second round of the tournament on Thursday, July 24. Williams has not won back-to-back matches since 2019.
Did Venus Williams compete in DC Open doubles?
Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste won their first-round match in doubles play on Monday, but the duo fell short of reaching the third round.
Williams and Baptiste lost to second-seeded Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai, 6-4, 3-6, 10-6, in a champion’s tiebreaker on Wednesday, July 23.
MORE: Venus Williams’ comeback can continue, 45-year-old granted Cincinnati Open wild-card entry
Why did Venus Williams take time away from tennis?
Williams had taken time away from tennis as she recovered from surgery for uterine fibroids.
Williams also confirmed after her win on Tuesday that she’s engaged to actor Andrea Preti.
“My fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” Williams told Rennae Stubbs after the match.
It was the first time Preti had seen her play.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Venus Williams’ Mubadala Citi DC Open ends in second round
