Venus Williams has competed at a tournament for the first time in more than a year — and in doubles for the first time in nearly three — and has come out with a victory.

The seven-time grand slam winner, now 45, accepted a wildcard to compete in the Mubadala Citi DC Open in the doubles this week, partnering with fellow American 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.