Venus Williams earns long-awaited victory in Auckland

OVERDUE WIN: Venus Williams plays a forehand during her first round match against Katie Volynets during day one of the 2023 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. Pic: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Venus Williams is back in the win column.

The 42-year-old Williams beat qualifier Katie Volynets 7-6 (4) 6-2 in the first round at the ASB Classic on Monday for her first singles victory since Wimbledon in 2021.