Venus Williams Rejects Indian Wells Opportunity

A highly anticipated wildcard appearance of Former world number one Venus Williams at the Indian Wells has gone up in smoke as she won’t be participating in the tournament.

Organizers extended an invitation to the 44-year-old last week, but the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion did not take it up

“Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wildcard 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.”

Williams has dropped to 974th in the world and has not played a WTA Tour-level match since losing in the first round of the Miami Open last March.

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She earlier told the TennisWeekly podcast she would not be making her return at the Indian Wells tournament, which runs from 2-16 March.

“I’m not playing – I’m going to be overseas. I’m not going to be here,” she said.

After fans booed and heckled Serena during her 2001 final win against Kim Clijsters, Williams boycotted Indian Wells for 15 years.

The jeers appeared to be in response to Venus withdrawing injured from the semi-final between the siblings.

Their father Richard later accused fans of racial abuse. Serena returned to the tournament in 2015 while Venus played the following year.

BBC