MASON (AP) — Venus Williams advanced to the third round of the Western & Southern Open with a three-set victory over defending champion Kiki Bertens.
The 39-year-old Williams is the oldest player in the women’s draw.
Her younger sister Serena withdrew from the tournament, citing the same back injury that forced her to retire from the Rogers Cup final on Sunday in Toronto.
The injury raises questions about Serena’s fitness ahead of the U.S. Open, which starts Aug. 26.