American veteran Venus Williams beat a top-20 player for the first time in four years with victory over Russia's Veronika Kudermetova in Cincinnati.
Williams, 43, fought back from a double break down in each set to win 6-4 7-5 against 16th-ranked Kudermetova.
The seven-time major singles champion smiled broadly as she celebrated winning at a US tournament for the first time in more than three years.
"I love this game, it's what I do," said Williams, who is ranked 533rd.
"The last few years have been difficult in terms of injuries but I love to be out here, be strong and be myself.