This content was published 8 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.

It was 16 years ago when Venus Williams last won the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. And although it would be hyperbolic to suggest she has a chance of making the very late stages this time on the basis of this comfortable victory over qualifier Katerina Siniakova, it will still delight tennis fans to see the 34-year-old show some glimpses of her old form.

Aside from an outrageous opening game on the Siniakova serve which Williams won after 15 minutes, this was the demolition job we were used to seeing from the American.

A strong and performance performance, Williams delighted the late night crowd on Centre Court eventually winning 62 62, with that famous smile and wave at the end.

She will next play the winner of the Elina Svitolina v Flavia Pennetta, which takes place on Tuesday, while Williams could play second seed Simona Halep in the third round.