Venus Williams will not be playing at this year’s Indian Wells – despite the tournament announcing last week that she had been given a wild card spot.
Williams, 44, is not officially retired from the sport but hasn’t competed since last March.
And fans thought they would be seeing her return to the court after the Indian Wells tournament – also known as the BNP Paribas Open – said in a press release last Wednesday that she would be participating this year.
In reality, Williams said she had no prior knowledge of the wild card spot and has other plans.
Speaking at ‘An Evening With Venus Williams’ in Dennark, Williams said she would be overseas during the tournament, which is held from March 2-16.
‘I found out about the wild card when you guys did,’ she said. ‘Just saying. And I love Indian Wells, I would love to be there and if I could have accepted it, I would have been like, ‘Yes.’ But I already made commitments.’
Venus Williams will not be playing at Indian Wells despite initial reports to the contrary
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion last competed at Indian Wells in March 2024
A statement from the tournament’s director, Tommy Haas, was later posted to social media confirming that Williams would not partake in the event.
‘Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wild card this year,’ the statement read. ‘We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.’
Williams has not won a Tour-level match since August 2023, with her only competitive action last year coming after she received a wild card to both Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
She suffered first-round defeats on both occasions, losing to Nao Hibino and Diana Shnaider respectively.
Venus boycotted Indian Wells for 15 years following the heckling of younger sister Serena during her win over Kim Clijsters in the final in 2001.
Williams is entering her 32nd WTA season, though it remains to be seen how much tennis she plays this year.
Serena, meanwhile, retired from the sport in 2022.
