Venus Williams began her 30th year on the WTA Tour with a win over fellow American Katie Volynets at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
The 42-year-old beat Volynets, who is half her age, 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 and will next face China’s Lin Zhu.
Former world number one Williams made her Tour debut in October 1994.
She has appeared in four tournaments as a wild card in 2021, the only year since 1994 in which she has not won a singles match.
His victory over Volynets – who turned 21 on New Year’s Eve – was interrupted by rain in the first set tie-break, which his opponent was leading.
But the Volynets faded as the match dragged on into the evening, with Williams claiming their first singles victory since Wimbledon in 2021.
“It’s tough when you’re all fired up and you suddenly have to stop,” said Williams, who is now ranked 1,003rd in the world.
“I was so angry during the rain break. My coach could barely talk to me, so I’ll try to improve my attitude.”
Williams received a wildcard to play at the Australian Open, 25 years after first playing at the tournament.
A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Williams never won the singles title in Melbourne, losing to younger sister Serena, now retired, in the 2003 and 2017 finals.
The Australian Open starts on January 16.
