INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Exciting news for tennis fans! Venus Williams has been awarded a wild-card entry for the BNP Paribas Open, marking her much-anticipated return to the court next month in Indian Wells, California. This event will be her first competition in nearly a year!
At 44 years old, Williams has not played in any tournament since her first-round setback at the Miami Open on March 19, 2024—an event that followed closely after her early exit in Indian Wells.
Venus first graced the courts of Indian Wells back in 1994. Throughout her illustrious career, she has clinched five singles titles at Wimbledon and two at the U.S. Open, alongside an impressive 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister, Serena.
In addition to Venus, other notable wild-card recipients announced include two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who is set to make her comeback after a 15-month maternity leave, and promising young talents João Fonseca and Learner Tien.
At just 18, Fonseca recently celebrated his first ATP title victory at the Argentina Open, while 19-year-old Tien impressed fans by advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open in January.
The BNP Paribas Open is set to take place from March 2-16. Mark your calendars!
