‘It’s in my DNA’: undimmed Venus Williams returns to US Open at 45

Venus Williams, the seven-time major champion, is making her 25th appearance at the US Open at the age of 45. She will face the 11th-seeded Karolína Muchová in the opening round, marking her return to the tournament she helped christen in 1997 when she became the first unseeded player in the Open era to reach the final. Despite being two years removed from her last grand slam match and ranked 610th in the world, Williams' presence at the tournament holds significant symbolism. She is the oldest singles competitor at the US Open since Renée Richards 44 years ago, and her determination to continue playing at the highest level is undiminished. The article highlights the enduring legacy of Venus Williams, who has become an iconic figure in the sport and the Flushing Meadows landscape. Her return to the US Open at this stage of her career is a testament to her passion for the game and her unwavering commitment to the sport she loves.