"I'm going to try to improve my attitude" - Venus Williams after first win in 18 months

Venus Williams won her first match in 18 months at the ASB Classic, but the 42-year-old believes she needs to improve her attitude to achieve more success.

Some questioned whether Venus would keep playing professionally after her legendary sister Serena Williams bid an emotional farewell to tennis after losing to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open.

Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, is a tennis legend in her own right, but she is Serena's older sister, and they had been on the WTA Tour together for over 25 years until her younger sister's retirement. Continuing without her seemed unfathomable to many.

However, in a video interview at the end of last season, Venus said she had been training hard since winning the US Open and planned to return because her passion for tennis remained.

The five-time Wimbledon singles winner kept her word by competing at the ASB Classic in Auckland. Coco Gauff, who jumped off a tower before the tournament began, is among those who signed up for the event in New Zealand.

Williams faced Katie Volynets, who is just half her age at 21 and has a gritty and physical style of play. Volynets' fitness meant it seemed like a challenging matchup for Venus after playing so few matches in the last 12 months.

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Venus dismissed those concerns with a great performance to beat Volynets in straight sets. A close opening set was decided on a tiebreak before the two-time US Open champion won the second set more comfortably to seal a 7-6, 6-2 triumph.

The tennis icon also managed a rain delay during the opening set. Despite an impressive victory, Venus admitted her actions during the rain delay indicated she needs to improve her attitude.

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