Seven-time Grand Slam single champion Venus Williams returned to competitive tennis after a 16-month hiatus on Monday with a doubles victory at the WTA and ATP DC Open. The 45-year-old American joined compatriot Hailey Baptiste to defeat Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard and US teen Clervie Ngounoue,

Venus Williams enjoyed a winning return to competitive tennis after 16 months away as she reached the quarterfinals of the women’s doubles at the DC Open alongside Hailey Baptiste.

Venus Williams has made a winning return to tennis after being sidelined for 16 months as she and Hailey Baptiste ousted Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3 6-1 in the Washington doubles first round.