Venus Williams Accepts Wild Card for Indian Wells 2026

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has accepted a wild card entry to play at the prestigious Indian Wells Open in March 2026, tournament organisers confirmed on Friday.

Tommy Haas, director of the combined ATP and WTA event, described it as an “honour” to offer the first wild card invitation of 2026 to the American tennis icon. Williams has been granted entry into both the singles and doubles competitions. She is set to compete in the California desert for the first time since 2024.

Expressing her excitement, Williams said she is happy to return to Indian Wells and play again in California. She thanked the tournament organisers for giving her the opportunity to compete in both events.

In January, the 45-year-old made history at the Australian Open by becoming the oldest woman to compete in the tournament’s history after accepting a wild card. She faced Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in the first round and pushed the 24-year-old to three sets before being eliminated.

Williams has played limited tournaments in recent years. She returned to professional tennis after a 16-month break at the DC Open in July last year.

Her participation in Indian Wells 2026 is expected to attract strong fan interest as one of the sport’s most experienced and respected players prepares to compete once again on a major stage