Venus hits new orbit

Record 72nd Slam for Williams

Venus Williams racked up a record-setting 72nd Grand Slam tournament appearance on Tuesday and pledged to keep playing in order to give sister Serena a target to chase.

The 36-year-old also extended her record in first round matches at the US Open to a perfect 18 in 18 attempts as the two-time champion battled to a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 win over Kateryna Kozlova of Ukraine.