Venus Williams Returns to Indian Wells After Boycott

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Venus Williams, 45, has accepted a wildcard to compete in singles and doubles at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. This marks her return to the tournament she and her sister Serena boycotted for years after a troubling incident in 2001 involving racial slurs and harassment. Williams is enjoying a career resurgence and will reunite with her recent US Open doubles partner Leylah Fernandez.

Why it matters

Indian Wells is one of the most important non-Grand Slam tennis tournaments, drawing massive crowds and top players. The Williams sisters' boycott of the event for over a decade was a significant statement about the racism they faced in the sport. Venus' return signals progress and healing, both for her personally and for the sport of tennis.

The details

The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, also known as the "fifth Grand Slam", begins on March 1, 2026. Its stadium court holds 16,000 fans, making it the second largest tennis venue in the world behind the US Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium. Venus Williams, a 45-year-old tennis legend, will compete in both singles and doubles at the tournament. She is excited to play in the first leg of the 2026 "Sunshine Double" that also includes the Miami Open.

• Venus Williams last played at Indian Wells in 2023.
• The 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells begins on March 1, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Venus Williams will be asked about the possibility of a Serena Williams comeback, as Serena's name has recently reappeared on the players list subjected to anti-doping testing and she has posted videos of herself practicing serves.