'I saw grass and got excited': Venus Williams on her late call to play at Wimbledon 2022

US tennis star Venus Williams, who made a winning return at Wimbledon after almost a year off the court, said she had no plans to play at SW19, but the tinge of green got her back into action.

The 42-year-old took to the court alongside Jamie Murray in the mixed doubles and booked a spot in the second round.

"I had no plan to play. I saw the grass and I got excited," Venus told the media after their 6-3 6-7(7) 6-3 win over Alicja Rosolska and Michael Venus.

"I was at the French Open, it's a beautiful event, but my heart didn't beat the same way. Not that I could play but...I had no plans. That's why I was asking (Murray) at the last minute."

Venus, a winner of seven singles Grand Slam titles, has won all four Grand Slam doubles titles—six at Wimbledon—and the mixed doubles at the Australian and French Opens, but a mixed doubles crown at Wimbledon still eludes her.

"It's one of the only ones I haven't won, so I usually put a little more priority here," she said. "It was definitely super last-minute. Just inspired by Serena. Like I said, it was amazing. I just was so happy to have so much help today."