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Venus Williams earns wild card return to Indian Wells
The 45-year-old tennis legend will compete in singles and doubles at the BNP Paribas Open next month.
Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:19am
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Venus Williams, the 45-year-old tennis legend, has been awarded a wild card to compete in both the singles and doubles draws at the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. This will mark Williams' first appearance at the tournament since 2024, when she lost in the first round as a wild card entry. She is a three-time semifinalist at Indian Wells, most recently in 2018.
Why it matters
Venus Williams is one of the most accomplished players in the history of women's tennis, with seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. Her return to Indian Wells, a prestigious tournament she boycotted for years, is a significant event for the sport and will draw increased attention and interest from tennis fans.
The details
Williams was given a wild card to compete in both the singles and doubles draws at the BNP Paribas Open, which runs from March 4-15 in Indian Wells, California. She last played in the tournament in 2024, when she lost in the first round as a wild card. Prior to that, she was a three-time semifinalist, most recently in 2018. Williams had boycotted the event between 2002 and 2016 after a controversial incident in 2001.
- Venus Williams last competed at the Indian Wells tournament in 2024.
- Williams is a three-time semifinalist at Indian Wells, most recently in 2018.
- Williams boycotted the Indian Wells tournament between 2002 and 2016.
The players
Venus Williams
A 45-year-old tennis legend with seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
Tommy Haas
The tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
What they’re saying
“It's an honor to award the first wild card of this year's event to Venus Williams. Venus is a legend of the game, and one of the most accomplished players our sport has ever seen.”
— Tommy Haas, Tournament Director
“I'm so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can't wait to return home to play in California.”
— Venus Williams
What’s next
The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California will take place from March 4-15, 2026, where Venus Williams will compete in both the singles and doubles draws as a wild card entry.
The takeaway
Venus Williams' return to the Indian Wells tournament, a prestigious event she had boycotted for years, is a significant moment for women's tennis. As one of the sport's all-time greats, her participation will draw increased attention and interest, and serves as a testament to her enduring legacy and commitment to the game.
