Venus Williams Receives Indian Wells Wild Card
By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, February 20, 2026
Photo credit: Corleve/Mark Peterson
Venus Williams is heading back to Tennis Paradise.
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has received a wild card into next month’s BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, the tournament announced today.
The 45-year-old tennis icon has received both a singles and doubles wild card entry into the event, where she will make her first appearance since 2024.
“It’s an honor to award the first wild card of this year’s event to Venus Williams,” said Tommy Haas, BNP Paribas Open Tournament Director. “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.”
Williams made her WTA Tour debut in 1994, and her 30-year career includes 49 Tour-level singles titles, a World No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles, and a combined 23 Grand Slams across all competitions, including seven in singles. The Compton, California native has also won four Olympic Gold Medals and captured the 2008 WTA Tour Championships.
Venus Williams partnered Leylah Fernandez to reach the US Open doubles quarterfinals last September.
“I’m so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can’t wait to return home to play in California,” Venus Williams said in a statement. “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 and giving me the opportunity to compete in both singles and doubles.”
The 2026 BNP Paribas Open will mark Williams’ tenth career appearance at Indian Wells. She has reached the semifinal three times (1998, 2001, 2018) and competed most recently in 2024 as a wild card.
Williams has entered the singles draw at the two most recent Grand Slam events – the 2025 US Open and 2026 Australian Open – and also paired up with Leylah Fernandez in doubles at the US Open where the duo reached the quarterfinals. Williams is scheduled to compete in the ATX Open, a WTA 250 event in Austin, Texas from February 21-March 1.
The Williams sisters famously boycotted Indian Wells from 2001 to 2014 after Russian player Elena Dementieva suggested father Richard Williams pre-determined the outcome of their matches. Venus Williams withdrew before her scheduled semifinal vs. Serena in 2001 prompting boos from fans. Serena went on to face Kim Clijsters in that final with father Richard Williams noting he heard some fans making racial taunts toward the Williams family from his seat in the stands.
After a phone call from billionaire tournament owner Larry Ellison, Serena returned to play Indian Wells in 2014 and Venus Williams ended her 15-year boycott in 2015.
All Tickets and Packages for the 2026 BNP Paribas Open are now on-sale and can be purchased here.
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