Venus Williams returns to Indian Wells with wild card entry

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has been awarded a wild card entry into Indian Wells, the tournament said on Feb 20.

Williams, 45, will compete in both singles and doubles at the Southern California desert event.

"It's great to be heading back to Indian Wells and returning home to California," Williams said in a statement.

"There’s nothing like competing in front of these incredible fans. I’ve made so many fun memories here over the years, and I’m grateful to the tournament for having me back," she added.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist and former world number one has reached the Indian Wells semi-finals three times. She last competed there in 2024, also as a wild card.

Tommy Haas, director of the combined ATP and WTA event, called it an “honour” to offer the first wild card invitation of 2026 to the US tennis icon, who received entry to both singles and doubles and is scheduled to appear in the California desert for the first time since 2024.

“I’m so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can’t wait to return home to play in California,” Williams said in a statement.

“I’m grateful to the tournament for having me back and giving me the opportunity to compete in both singles and doubles.”

In January, Williams made history as the oldest woman ever to play at the Australian Open, accepting a wild card invitation and pushing 24-year-old Serbian Olga Danilovic all the way before falling in three sets in the first round.

Williams has played only sporadically in recent years. She returned from a 16-month hiatus at the DC Open in July 2025.

Williams played at this year's Australian Open and reached the US Open doubles quarter-finals in 2025 with partner Leylah Fernandez.

The Indian Wells tournament will be held from March 1-15. REUTERS, AFP