Two-time champion Venus Williams says the love for her “job” is why she is back playing at the US Open at the age of 45.

At the start of this year, many wondered when the veteran American would announce her retirement.

Now she is set to grace her home Grand Slam tournament for a record-extending 25th time when she plays 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.

Earlier this season, Williams became officially considered an inactive player, having gone a whole year without competing.

Then, out of nowhere as the eyes of the tennis world were trained on Wimbledon, she announced she was ready to play at the Washington Open.

The former world number one won her first-round match on her first appearance in 16 months, before going out in round two.

The victory over fellow American Peyton Stearns meant Williams became the oldest player to win a WTA Tour singles match in more than 21 years.

Asked to describe the joy of being back playing, she said: “I love my job. So there’s the joy right there.”