'It's in my DNA' - 45-year-old Venus Williams returns to US Open

US open two-time champion Venus Williams says her unwavering love for the game is the driving force behind her return at the age of 45.

At the start of this year, many in the tennis world speculated that the veteran American might announce her retirement.

However, she is now set to grace her home Grand Slam tournament for a record-extending 25th time when she faces Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova on Monday.

"It is super thrilling to be back. It does not get old - it just gets more exciting," said the seven-time major winner.

She added, "I think I'll always play tennis. It's in my DNA. So it doesn't matter if it's now or 30 years from now. Tennis will always be one of the most important parts of my life."

Earlier this season, Williams was officially considered an inactive player, having gone an entire year without competing.

Her return came unexpectedly during Wimbledon when she announced her readiness to play at the Washington Open.

In her first appearance in 16 months, the former world number one won her first-round match against fellow American Peyton Stearns before exiting in the second round.

That victory made Williams the oldest player to win a WTA Tour singles match in more than 21 years.

When asked to describe the joy of being back on the court, she simply said, "I love my job. So there's the joy right there."

Williams, currently ranked 580th in the world, is set to become the oldest US Open singles player in 44 years after receiving a wildcard for Flushing Meadows.

It will be her first appearance at one of the four majors since the 2023 US Open, where she lost in the first round.

Her wildcard has sparked a debate, with some arguing that giving a spot to a veteran with limited recent success blocks the development of a younger player, while others believe an all-time great should always be offered the opportunity to compete.

With her sister Serena having bowed out of professional tennis at the 2022 US Open, many wonder if this could be Venus's final appearance at a tournament where she is revered by the New York crowd.