Veteran star Venus Williams, now 45, receives a coveted wild card into the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, set for March 1-15 in Southern California, competing in singles and doubles.
The decision celebrates her iconic career, fueling hopes for standout performances.
Williams beamed, ‘Indian Wells feels like home in California. Unbeatable fans and cherished memories abound. Grateful for the organizers’ invitation to return.’
Seven-time Slam winner, past world No. 1, Olympic medalist—her Indian Wells highlights include three semifinals; 2024 marked her latest wild card foray.
2026 started with Australian Open wild card, making her Open Era’s senior-most player. Danilovic ousted her after Venus took set one; baseline resilience and key breaks won it for the Serb. Venus notched nine aces, 71% first-serve wins, but double faults hurt.
With Fernandez, US Open doubles quarters last year affirmed her team skills.
Global eyes turn to Indian Wells for Venus’s magic. Her story of grit transcends tennis, motivating athletes to push boundaries. The tournament gains immensely from her presence, promising unforgettable entertainment.