Martina Navratilova teamed up with Spain's Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario to make a winning return to the US Open.

The pair came back from a set down to see off the challenge of Sabine Appelmans and Linda Wild 5-7 6-2 7-6 (7-3) and will now face 14th seeds Jennifer Capriati and Anna Kournikova in round two.

Navratilova, who is competing at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 1995, retired from singles tennis in 1994 but never ruled out a return to doubles competition.

After a four-year absence, she returned to reach the third round of the French Open and quarter-finals of Wimbledon, partnering South African Mariaan De Swardt.

The nine-times US Open doubles champion is also entered in the mixed doubles, joining forces with Rick Leach.