Venus Williams will not play Indian Wells, despite tournament’s announcement

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing

Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news

Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news

Tennis legend Venus Williams will not play at the BNP Paribas Open, the tournament revealed.

The development comes days after it announced she would compete after accepting a wildcard entry.

“Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wild card this year,” the event posted on X in a statement attributed to tournament director Tommy Haas.

“We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.”

The BNP Paribas Open previously issued a press release revealing the former world number one had been awarded a wildcard to make her 10th appearance at the tournament.

The 44-year-old has not competed since the Miami Open in March 2024.

The seven-time singles grand slam champion earlier confirmed to the TennisWeekly Podcast rumours of her professional return were not true.

“I’m not playing,” she confirmed.

“I’m going to be overseas. I’m not gonna be here.”