Venus Back In The Desert: Williams Gets Wild Card For Indian Wells Open Return

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 19:47 IST

Venus Williams receives a wild card for Indian Wells Open, returning to California for singles and doubles.

Venus Williams is heading back to the desert.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion has been awarded a wild card into the Indian Wells Open, tournament organisers confirmed Friday.

The 45-year-old will compete in both singles and doubles at the prestigious Southern California event, set to run from March 1–15.

“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."

A Familiar Stage

Williams, a former world No. 1 and four-time Olympic gold medallist, is a three-time semi-finalist at Indian Wells, most recently in 2018. She last appeared at the tournament in 2024, also as a wild card, exiting in the first round.

Her history with the event includes a lengthy boycott from 2002 to 2016 following a controversial incident in 2001, making her return all the more notable.

“It’s an honour to award the first wild card of this year’s event to Venus Williams," tournament director Tommy Haas said. “Venus is a legend of the game."

Still Competing

Williams opened her 2026 campaign at the Australian Open, falling in the first round in both singles and doubles. She also reached the U.S. Open doubles quarter-finals last year alongside Leylah Fernandez.

Next up: the ATX Open in Austin before the spotlight shifts to Indian Wells.

(with agency inputs)

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