Tennis legend Venus Williams will not play at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, the tournament revealed.
The development comes days after it announced she would compete after accepting a wild-card entry.
“Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wild card this year,” the event posted on X in a statement attributed to tournament director Tommy Haas.
“We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.”
The BNP Paribas Open previously issued a press release revealing the former world No 1 had been awarded a wildcard to make her 10th appearance at the tournament.
The 44-year-old has not competed since the Miami Open in March 2024.
The seven-time singles Grand Slam champion earlier confirmed to the TennisWeekly Podcast rumours of her professional return were not true.
“I’m not playing,” she confirmed.
“I’m going to be overseas. I’m not gonna be here.”
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the US Open, live on Sky Sports Tennis in 2025 or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports App.
Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland
CNN — Former world No. 1 Venus Williams will not play at next month’s BNP Paribas
Former world No. 17 tennis player, Reilly Opelka, has reignited a controversy in the sport by reiterating his scorn for doubles competition. Seemingly
Former world number one Venus Williams has turned down a wildcard for next month's Indian Wells tournament.Organisers said last week the 44-year-old had been in
The slate at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC on February 25 includes eight matches, among them Alexander Zverev (ranked No. 2) against M