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.