At 45, Venus Williams continues to script new chapters in a career that has already transcended generations. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is officially set to return to the BNP Paribas Open next month, having received wildcards into both the singles and doubles draws at Indian Wells.

The tournament, held annually at the iconic Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Southern California, will mark Williams’ 10th career appearance at the prestigious WTA Tour stop, scheduled from March 4-15. It will also be her first outing at the event since 2024, when she bowed out in the opening round as a wildcard entrant.

Interestingly, this year’s acceptance comes after a contrasting decision in 2025. Organizers had previously extended a wildcard invitation to Williams, but she chose not to take it up. “Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wildcard this year,” the tournament posted on X in a statement attributed to tournament director Tommy Haas at the time. “We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.” That wish has now materialized in 2026.

Venus Williams’ journey with Indian Wells has been anything but linear. She famously boycotted the tournament from 2002 to 2016 following a controversial incident in 2001 involving her and her sister Serena. Her return in 2016 was seen as a powerful and emotional reconciliation with the event.

On the court, she has enjoyed significant success in the desert, reaching the singles semifinals three times, most recently in 2018. In doubles, she hasn’t featured at the tournament since 2000, when she and Serena Williams made a memorable run to the semifinals. This year will mark her first doubles appearance at Indian Wells in over two decades.

While she most recently exited in the first round of both singles and doubles at the Australian Open, Williams has shown flashes of competitiveness in 2026. Across three tournaments this season, she pushed three Top 100 players, including a dramatic 6 (5)-7, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Olga Danilovic in Melbourne - a match in which she led 4-0 in the deciding set.

However, before heading to California, Venus Williams is also scheduled to compete at the ATX Open, a WTA 250 event in Austin, Texas, running through March 1. The added match play could serve as crucial preparation ahead of her return to one of the sport’s most storied non-Slam events.

For a player whose legacy is already cemented, Indian Wells offers something beyond rankings or trophies. It represents resilience, redemption, and longevity - qualities that have defined Venus Williams’ career for over two decades.

As the tennis world gathers in the Southern California desert once again, all eyes will be on the former World No. 1, who continues to defy time and expectations with every step she takes back onto the court. What did she say about her Indian Wells return, though?

Venus Williams is excited to kickstart her campaign at Indian Wells

California’s own Venus Williams is ready to return to familiar territory. And she isn’t hiding her excitement about stepping back onto the courts in Tennis Paradise. “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 released by the tournament on Friday. 

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

For Williams, the event carries both professional and personal significance. A California native, she made her Indian Wells debut back in 1996, marking the beginning of a long and often emotional relationship with the desert tournament. Over the years, she has delivered memorable performances, including three semifinal runs in singles. Tournament director Tommy Haas, a former world No. 2 on the ATP Tour, emphasized the honor of welcoming her back.

“It is an honor to award the first wild card of this year’s event to Venus,” Haas said. “Venus is a legend of the game and one of the most accomplished players our sport has ever seen. We are thrilled to welcome her back to Tennis Paradise and give the fans the chance to see her compete in both singles and doubles.”

While Venus Williams has often shared the doubles spotlight with her younger sister Serena Williams, this time she’ll be forming a different alliance. The 45-year-old will team up with Canadian star Leylah Fernandez in the doubles draw.

The pairing already has chemistry. Williams and Fernandez reached the quarterfinals at last year’s US Open, showcasing a blend of veteran experience and youthful firepower. Their reunion in the desert adds another intriguing storyline to the tournament.

With seven Grand Slam singles titles and a legacy that spans three decades, Venus’ return is more than just another wildcard entry - it’s a celebration of longevity and enduring passion. For fans in California, it’s a rare opportunity to see one of the sport’s trailblazers compete once again on home soil. How excited are you to see Venus Williams in action at Indian Wells, though? 

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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