Venus Williams receives Indian Wells Wild Card for 2026 BNP Paribas Open
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams is heading back to Tennis Paradise. The former World No. 1 has accepted a wild card into the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, where she will compete in both singles and doubles next month at Indian Wells, California.
“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. “This tournament is always such a special experience, and there’s nothing like competing in front of these incredible fans."
A Milestone 10th Appearance at Indian Wells
The 45-year-old will be making her 10th career appearance at the prestigious WTA Tour event. She last competed at Indian Wells in 2024 and is a three-time singles semifinalist at the tournament.
Her 2026 campaign will also mark a return to doubles competition at the event for the first time since 2000, when she and sister Serena Williams reached the semifinals. This year, Williams will partner with Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, continuing a partnership that produced a quarterfinal run at the 2025 US Open.
Building Momentum in 2026
Williams has already competed in three tournaments this season and has also accepted a wild card into the ATX Open in Austin, Texas.
Despite her ranking, she has proven competitive against top opposition. At the Australian Open, she pushed Olga Danilović to three sets in a dramatic 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 defeat after leading 4-0 in the final set.
Her performances this year have included tight battles against three Top 100 players in the PIF WTA Rankings, underlining her continued ability to challenge elite opponents.
Tournament Reaction
Tournament director Tommy Haas, a former World No. 2, described it as “an honor” to award Williams the first wild card of this year’s event.
“Venus is a legend of the game, and one of the most accomplished players our sport has ever seen,” Haas said. “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.”
A Return That Means More
Indian Wells has long held significance in Williams’ career. Her return adds star power and historic weight to the 2026 field, blending generational greatness with a fresh doubles pairing alongside Fernandez.
At 45, Williams continues to defy expectations, not simply participating, but competing. And in Tennis Paradise, she’s coming home.
Sportsligue Staff