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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.
Mar. 2, 2026 at 12:31pm
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Venus Williams, a 45-year-old seven-time major champion, has received a wild card into the singles and doubles draws for the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California next month. This will mark Williams' first appearance at the event since 2024, when she lost in the first round as a wild card. 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 tennis history, having won seven Grand Slam singles titles. Her return to Indian Wells, a prestigious ATP and WTA event, will generate significant interest and attention for the tournament. As a veteran player, Williams' participation also highlights the longevity of elite tennis careers.
The details
Williams will be making her 10th career appearance at the BNP Paribas Open, which runs from March 4-15 in Southern California. She boycotted the event between 2002 and 2016 after a controversial incident in 2001. Last year, she was given a wild card but did not accept it. Most recently, Williams competed in the Australian Open, losing in the first round in singles and doubles. Prior to Indian Wells, she is scheduled to play in the ATX Open, a WTA 250 event in Austin, Texas, from February 25 to March 1.
- Williams last competed at Indian Wells in 2024, when she lost in the first round as a wild card.
- Williams is a three-time semifinalist at Indian Wells, most recently in 2018.
- The BNP Paribas Open will take place from March 4-15, 2026 in Indian Wells, California.
- Williams is scheduled to compete in the ATX Open in Austin, Texas from February 25 to March 1, 2026.
The players
Venus Williams
A 45-year-old seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and one of the most accomplished players in tennis history.
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, BNP Paribas Open
“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 will take place from March 4-15, 2026 in Indian Wells, California, where Venus Williams will compete in the singles and doubles draws as a wild card entrant.
The takeaway
Venus Williams' return to the Indian Wells tournament at age 45 is a testament to her longevity and status as one of the all-time greats in women's tennis. Her participation will generate significant interest and attention for the event, highlighting the enduring appeal of elite veteran players in the sport.
