“I’m so excited to be heading back”: Venus Williams accepts wild card for 2026 Indian Wells

Venus Williams has accepted a wild card for the 2026 BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, receiving entry for both singles and doubles. Tournament director Tommy Haas described it as an "honor" to offer the first wild card of the year to the American icon. Williams will compete in the California desert for the first time since 2024, returning to a venue where she has a long and historic record.

The 45-year-old Williams shared her excitement about the upcoming tournament. “I’m so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can’t wait to return home to play in California," she said. "I’m grateful to the tournament for having me back and giving me the opportunity to compete in both singles and doubles."

Earlier this year, Williams made history at the Australian Open as the oldest woman to play the event. She challenged 24-year-old Olga Danilovic in a first-round match that went to three sets before Williams fell. After a 16-month hiatus, she returned to action last July at the DC Open, playing selectively across the season to manage her schedule.

Williams was previously granted a wild card for Indian Wells in 2025 but did not participate due to other commitments. Organizers confirmed her availability this year, ensuring fans will have the opportunity to see one of the sport’s most iconic figures return to singles and doubles competition.

Williams made her WTA Tour debut in 1994 and has accumulated 49 singles titles, along with 23 Grand Slam trophies across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, including seven singles majors. She also won four Olympic gold medals and the 2008 WTA Tour Championship, placing her among the most decorated players in tennis history.

Her history at Indian Wells is particularly notable. Williams first appeared in the main draw in 1998, reached the semifinals three times (1998, 2001, 2018), and returned after a long boycott in 2016. Since her return, she competed in 2017, 2018, and 2019, before the 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Williams’ last appearance at the event was in 2024.

Tommy Haas emphasized the importance of her return: “It’s an honor to award the first wild card of this year’s event to Venus Williams. 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.”

At 45, Williams will be the oldest player in the modern era to compete in singles at Indian Wells.

Williams is scheduled to compete in the ATX Open, a WTA 250 event in Austin, Texas, before Indian Wells. She also paired with Canadian Leylah Fernandez at the US Open in doubles, reaching the quarterfinals, demonstrating her ability to remain competitive in both singles and doubles formats.

Reflecting on Indian Wells, Williams said: "This tournament is always such a special experience, and 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."

Her 2026 schedule emphasizes selective participation while maximizing performance. Williams’ strategic approach allows her to compete at high levels, despite being one of the oldest players on tour. Fans and analysts will closely watch her matches in Indian Wells, recognizing her return as both a sporting milestone and a celebration of a remarkable career.