NEW YORK – Venus Williams declared on Saturday that she is relishing the prospect of her record-extending 25th US Open appearance, insisting that the experience of competing in her home Grand Slam tournament never loses its appeal.
The 45-year-old American tennis icon is poised to make what could prove her farewell singles appearance at Flushing Meadows today, Monday 25 August, where she will face 11th seed Karolina Muchova in the opening round.
“Super thrilling to be back,” said Williams, who is competing in New York after being awarded a wild card by organisers despite her world ranking having slipped to 610th.
“It does not get old; it just gets more exciting,” she told reporters at Saturday’s press conference.
Return from hiatus
Williams only returned to tennis in July following a 16-month absence from the sport, claiming victory in her opening match at the Washington Open before bowing out in the second round.
This year’s appearance comes some 28 years after she first graced the US Open as a 17-year-old in 1997, embarking on a fairytale run to the final where she was defeated by Martina Hingis.
Following that dazzling debut, Williams would forge a legacy as one of the greatest women’s players in history, capturing seven Grand Slam singles titles—two US Opens and five Wimbledons—alongside 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with sister Serena.
Passion endures
Williams revealed on Saturday that despite her litany of achievements across a career spanning four decades, her passion for tennis remains undiminished.
“I love my job,” Williams told reporters. “So there’s the joy right there.”
When asked what people might take from her appearance, she replied: “I haven’t thought about what people would take away from it. I just mostly think about what I would get from it.”
Williams emphasised that she will adopt a relaxed approach to her 25th US Open appearance.
“I want to be my best, and that’s the expectation I have for myself, to get the best out of me. And that’s all any player can ask for,” she said.
“I haven’t played as much as the other players, so it’s a different challenge… I’m just trying to have fun, stay relaxed, and be my personal best.”
Tennis for life
Whilst Williams’ professional career may be drawing to a close, the American veteran expects to continue wielding a racquet well into old age.
“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,” Williams said.
“God willing, I’ll be here, we’ll all be here, we’ll all be hitting balls. Maybe I’ll come back to watch. Maybe I’ll be saying I did it better, and it won’t be true.
“But in any case, tennis will always be one of the most important parts of my life.”
Historical significance
Williams’ participation also coincides with the 75th anniversary of African-American trailblazer Althea Gibson’s first appearance at the US national tennis championship in 1950.
“I think the most important part is that we are celebrating it and recognising it, because Althea accomplished so much, and a lot of it has not been given the credit it deserves and the attention and the praise,” Williams said.
“I think that’s the most important part to me, just shining light on it and seeing, just acknowledging that.”
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