Tennis legend Venus Williams says she is cherishing every moment as she prepares for her record-extending 25th US Open appearance. The 45-year-old icon will step onto the court at Flushing Meadows on Monday, facing 11th seed Karolina Muchova in what could be her final singles run at her home Grand Slam.
“Super thrilling to be back,” Venus told reporters after being handed a wild card to compete, with her world ranking currently at 610. “It does not get old; it just gets more exciting.”
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion only returned to action in July following a 16-month break, and despite the challenges, she remains fueled by passion. “I love my job,” Venus said. “So there’s the joy right there.”
Her appearance this year also carries special significance, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Althea Gibson’s groundbreaking debut at the US Nationals in 1950. Venus highlighted the importance of celebrating Gibson’s legacy:
“Althea accomplished so much, and a lot of it has not been given the credit it deserves. I think the most important part is acknowledging that.”
Venus first lit up the US Open stage in 1997 as a 17-year-old, stunning the world by reaching the final before falling to Martina Hingis. Since then, she has cemented her place in tennis history with two US Open titles, five Wimbledons, and 14 Grand Slam doubles trophies alongside sister Serena.
While speculation grows over whether this will be her farewell tournament, Venus insists she is more focused on enjoying the present moment:
“I want to be my best, and that’s the expectation I have for myself … I’m just trying to have fun, stay relaxed, and be my personal best.”
Even as retirement looms, Venus made it clear her bond with the sport will never end:
“I think I’ll always play tennis. It’s in my DNA. 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.”
