There are plenty of reasons why this particular victory by Venus Williams in this particular tennis match resonates with so many folks. That she’s 45, for one thing.

Tennis legend Venus Williams is back. The 45-year-old former world No. 1 player won her first singles match in nearly two years, defeating the world No. 35 Peyton Stearns, 6-3, 6-4, to reach the second round of the DC Open.

Venus Williams returned to tour-level tennis on Tuesday, defeating Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open and winning her first match in nearly two years.