Venus Williams awarded Indian Wells main draw wild card for singles and doubles

Venus Williams is heading back to the Southern California desert.

The BNP Paribas Open unveiled announced on Friday that the former world No. 1 has received the first main draw wild card for both singles and doubles.

“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. “This tournament is always such a special experience, and there’s nothing like competing in front of these incredible fans.”

Williams, 45, will be making her first appearance at the WTA 1000 event since 2024. Last year, she was erroneously announced by the tournament, and had took to social media to deny the reports. This time, her return was confirmed via her Instagram Stories.

Read More: Venus Williams will become oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw with wild card entry

She’s a three-time semifinalist at Indian Wells, most recently in 2018. She and younger sister Serena Williams boycotted the event between 2002 and 2016, after Venus and her father and coach, Richard Williams, were booed and subjected to racist remarks from the crowd following Venus’ withdrawal from her 2001 semifinal match against Serena.

“It’s an honor to award the first wild card of this year’s event to Venus Williams,” said tournament director Tommy Haas. “Venus is a legend of the game, and one of the most accomplished players our sport has ever seen.”

Williams’ lengthy resume includes seven-time Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. She has won 49 WTA titles overall, and owns four Olympic gold medals, one in singles and three in doubles.

Read More: Venus Williams relishes “relearning” the game despite Australian Open loss

In addition to singles, she’s also set to take the court in doubles alongside Leylah Fernandez. The pair will reprise their partnership from the US Open, where they reached the quarterfinals in 2025.

Most recently, Williams competed Down Under and is currently 0-3 on the season following first-round exits in Auckland, Hobart and the Australian Open.

Williams will be back in action at the ATX Open, a WTA 250 event in Austin running from February 21 to March 1. She has received a wild card for both singles and doubles, and is set to partner with fellow American Peyton Stearns.