"I can't believe I got a chance to play against Venus. She's a great player and a role model for everyone on the Tour," Naef told Reuters after her first win on the WTA Tour.
696th-ranked Wiliams was cheered on by little sister Serena, who retired last year, from the stands. It was the first game after a six-month injury break with a troubled thigh.
Attracted large audiences
The grass match in the first round attracted large crowds. Serena sat during a paraplay to protect herself from the sun.
"For me, it was the biggest match I've played. It was so incredibly cool to play in front of such a big audience. I was so nervous, which maybe was noticeable but I was just trying to do my best," the 202nd-ranked Swiss told the WTA after securing the match ball when Wilikams hit a backhand well past the baseline.
Venus Williams, who turns 43 on Saturday, has claimed seven Grand Slam titles, the most recent as far back as 2008. The last tournament win came in 2016.