(CNN) — Venus Williams rolled back the years to produce a brilliant display as she eliminated fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 to reach the round of 16 of the DC Open.

Williams, 45, becomes the oldest player to win a singles match on the WTA Tour since Martina Navratilova won in the first round of Wimbledon in 2004 aged 47.

It was Williams’ second tour victory in as many days after she recorded a doubles win at the DC Open alongside Hailey Baptiste on Monday.

“You know, it’s the first step, and the first match is always extremely difficult,” Williams said after the match, per the WTA. “It’s hard to describe how difficult it is to play a first match after so much time off.

“So going into the match, I know I have the ability to win, but it’s all about actually winning. So this is

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