VENUS WILLIAMS fought back tears in an emotional press conference after being knocked out of the US Open.

The legendary 45-year-old looked in incredible form and shape despite a first-round defeat on Monday night.

She was at her explosive best despite a 3-6, 6-2, 1-6 defeat to Czech No11 seed Karolina Muchova.

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Williams has now been tipped to continue her iconic trophy-laden career.

She also played at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington and the Cincinnati Open this year.

Her return to the court came after 16 months out.

And Williams was visibly moved after her exit on Arthur Ashe at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York .

She was reflecting on her journey back to her home Grand Slam.

"What did I prove to myself?," a teary two-time US Open champi

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