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 United States Tennis Association has released an updated list of teams hoping to compete for the $1million in prize money.

I pick out North America’s celestial highlights for the week ahead (which also apply to mid-northern latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere).

Venus Williams is paired with Reilly Opelka, and Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova is joined by Holger Rune on the updated list of teams signed up to try to enter the newfangled U.S.

Venus Williams displayed her trademark power on some strokes and missed others while teaming with Hailey Baptiste for a 6-3, 6-1 victory.

SportsLine tennis expert Blake Von Hagen reveals his 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open picks for Tuesday's women's first-round match between Peyton Stearns and Venus Williams

Venus Williams will make a surprise return to the US Open aged 45 later this year. The tennis icon is the latest name to be added to a glitzy entry list in a reimagined mixed doubles tournament at Flushing Meadows.