Former world number one Venus Williams has turned down a wildcard entry for next month’s Indian Wells tournament, organizers have confirmed.
The 44-year-old, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, was invited to participate but chose not to accept the offer. Tournament director Tommy Haas issued a statement on X, saying, “Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wildcard this year. We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.”
Currently ranked 974th in the world, Williams has not played a WTA Tour-level match since her first-round loss at the Miami Open in March 2023. She recently told the Tennis Weekly podcast that she would not be making her return at Indian Wells, which runs from March 2-16.
“I’m not playing – I’m going to be overseas. I’m not going to be here,” Williams said.
Williams previously boycotted the Indian Wells tournament for 15 years following an incident in 2001 when her younger sister, Serena Williams, was booed and heckled during her final against Kim Clijsters. The crowd’s reaction was believed to be in response to Venus withdrawing from the semi-final against Serena due to injury. Their father, Richard Williams, later claimed the fans’ behavior included racial abuse.
Serena ended the boycott in 2015, with Venus making her return to the event the following year.
