In just her fourth Wimbledon tune-up, Venus wins Birmingham opener

It's not usual for Venus Williams to play a Wimbledon tune-up tournament, but this week she's entered in one for just the fourth time in her storied career. On Wednesday, she toppled Aliaksandra Sasnovich to advance to the second round of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham, 6-3, 6-4.

"I though today was a really strong start, actually. A pretty cool match. Not a lot of errors and my opponent played really, really well," Venus said. "So I know that I'm going to have to play well from hereon out and just to be able to play some patches and, you know, and get my feet on the grass is a really good feeling."

Venus is looking to turn turn her 2019 season around. After a stellar 2017, which saw her reach three big finals at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the season-ending championships, she has made just one semifinal since, at the 2018 edition of Indian Wells.

A legit threat on grass, the American is going for her sixth grass-court title this week, having won five Wimbledon crowns in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008. Against Sasnovich, her athletic prowess was on full display as she outplayed her younger opponent. Despite dropping her two service games, the American dominated the first set with her aggressive play. She did not let up, continuing to rush to the net, taking the balls early to put them away with her signature overhead volleys.

Sasnovich, who did not play badly at all, did all she could to try and stop Venus from running away with the match. But her efforts were futile as the seven-time Grand Slam champion, who recently turned 39, closed out the match without any hiccups.

"Honestly age is just a number and, as long as you are fit and doing the work, anything is possible," said Venus. "Honestly, it is just about wearing your sunscreen so that way you don't look like a raisin. I put mine on (smiling)."

Venus will play Wang Qiang, who defeated Lauren Davis, 6-3, 6-2, for a spot in the quarterfinals.