Video: Venus Williams defies age with an unreal backhand winner in opening round victory at ASB Classic

WTA icon Venus Williams turned back the clock with a glorious backhand winner against Katy Volynets in the ASB Classic opening round on Monday.

Williams is playing her 30th year on tour since turning professional in 1994. The elder sister of recently retired former World No. 1 Serena Williams has seemingly been on the decline recently. She has put up quite a few underwhelming performances, especially at the big tournaments.

However, on Monday in Auckland, the 42-year-old provided a timely reminder of her prowess. With Volynets serving for the set at 5-4, 0-40, Williams unleashed a fierce crosscourt backhand winner following a bruising baseline exchange to get back on serve.

She eventually took the set on a tiebreak to draw first blood. In a lopsided second, Williams dropped only two games to open her 2023 campaign with a win. The seven-time Grand Slam winner will next take on Zhu Lin for a place in the last eight.