"There's nothing like the US Open" - Venus Williams excited about fans returning to Flushing Meadows

With the US Open only a few weeks away, several tennis superstars are eagerly anticipating the return to New York to compete in the final Grand Slam of the year, and no one seems to be more excited than two-time champion, Venus Williams.

The 41-year old is in the twilight of her career, but she hasn't let that stop her from remaining busy on the WTA circuit. In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, Williams revealed that she has spent a lot of time training and preparing for the US Open.

"Is it the summer? I have not had a lot of downtime!" admitted the seven-time Grand Slam champion. "I took one week off after Wimbledon, so that was downtime. But other than that, it's just a lot of training and the US Open is only three weeks away. I'm preparing for the Open and pretty excited about that, to be honest."

After being held with no spectators last year due to Covid protocols, the USTA announced that there will be 100% fan admittance at this year's event. Williams stated that she's most looking forward to the return of fans in New York, with the event running from August 30-Septemner 12, 2021.

"So this year is going to be the real deal because there's nothing like the US Open," said Williams. "I know there's a lot of great sports in New York, but there's literally nothing like the Open. It's so iconic. I don't take it for granted to participate in it at this point anymore."