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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.<\/b><\/p>\n
At the start of this year, many wondered when the veteran American would announce her retirement.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“It is super thrilling to be back. It does not get old – it just gets more exciting,” said the seven-time major winner.<\/p>\n
Earlier this season, Williams became officially considered an inactive player, having gone a whole year without competing.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The former world number one won her first-round match on her first appearance in 16 months, before going out in round two.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Asked to describe the joy of being back playing, she said: “I love my job. So there’s the joy right there.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n