Venus Williams became the second oldest woman to win a WTA Tour-level singles match by beating Peyton Stearns at the Washington Open.
Williams, 45, overcame world number 35 and fellow American Stearns, who is 22 years her junior, 6-3 6-4 in the first round.
Williams is the oldest woman to win a singles match on tour since Martina Navratilova at the age of 47 in 2004.
Seven-time singles Grand Slam winner Williams, who gained entry to the tournament via a wildcard, had not played since March 2024.
Asked if she felt satisfaction in proving people wrong, she said: "No, because I'm not here for anyone else except for me.