Venus Williams to Return to Indian Wells with Wild Card Entry
Venus Williams, the legendary seven-time Grand Slam champion, is set to make her highly anticipated return to the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells next month after receiving a wild card into both the singles and doubles draws. This announcement marks her first appearance at the tournament since 2024.
At 45 years old, Williams remains a prominent figure in the sport, showcasing her enduring talent and passion for tennis. Tommy Haas, the Tournament Director for BNP Paribas Open, expressed his excitement: “It’s an honor to award the first wild card of this year’s event to Venus Williams. She is a legend of the game and one of the most accomplished athletes our sport has ever seen.”
Williams, who made her debut on the WTA Tour in 1994, boasts an impressive career that includes 49 Tour-level singles titles. She has achieved a World No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles and has secured a total of 23 Grand Slam titles – seven of which were won in singles competitions. Additionally, she is a four-time Olympic Gold Medalist and a victor of the 2008 WTA Tour Championships.
Last September, Williams teamed up with fellow player Leylah Fernandez, reaching the quarterfinals in doubles at the US Open. Reflecting on her return to Indian Wells, she shared her excitement: “I’m so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can’t wait to return home to play in California. This tournament is always such a special experience, and there’s nothing like competing in front of these incredible fans.”
Williams’s legacy continues with each match she plays, and her return is eagerly awaited by fans and fellow competitors alike. Tickets and packages for the 2026 BNP Paribas Open are currently on sale and are available for purchase, allowing supporters to witness Williams in action once again in what promises to be a memorable event.
