Germany's Maria celebrates prestigious win against Venus Williams

Germany's Tatjana Maria celebrated a prestigious victory against seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams just a few days ahead of the Australian Open.

Maria defeated Williams 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Hobart International.

"Everyone loves Venus, I love her too. It was a very difficult match for me. We live around the corner, we're neighbours. I know her very well. My daughter is also a fan of Venus," Maria said.

In the last 16, Maria will face Hungary's Anna Bondar, who advanced after a 6-0, 6-1 win against Ella Seidel.

Williams, meanwhile, has received a wild card to play at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year.

She will celebrate her return to Melbourne for the first time after five years and at 45 years old, is to become the oldest woman to compete in the main draw of the Australian Open when she surpasses Kimiko Date, who was 44 in 2015.

The year-opening Grand Slam starts on Sunday. Williams has reached the Australian Open final twice but both times was defeated by her sister Serena.