Indian Wells tournament director releases official statement after Venus Williams publicly rejects wildcard to play

Venus Williams made quite the splash earlier this month when it emerged that she would be handed an Indian Wells wildcard.

Williams’s Indian Wells wildcard divided fans, with some happy and others preferring it was handed to a more deserving player.

Naomi Osaka was excited to see Williams at Indian Wells, but such a reunion is now off the cards after it emerged the latter would not be accepting the wildcard.

Williams boasts a phenomenal 49 singles titles throughout her career so far, which hasn’t been as busy lately as it has in previous years.

The 44-year-old once reached number one in the WTA Tour rankings, but has since dropped to 975th place.

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Venus Williams explains Indian Wells wildcard rejection

Speaking on the Tennis Weekly Podcast, Williams confirmed that the wildcard acceptance was not true, with the American saying: “Actually I’m not… that wasn’t true.

“I’m not playing. I found the announcement super amusing because I don’t know, people seem to be happy, so I was like maybe I’ll just go with it I don’t know.

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“I’m actually not going. I’m going to be overseas, I’m not going to be here, so I’m watching it on TV. I’m sorry guys.

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“I just had a player text me today too like ‘can you play doubles?’ I’m not playing! I found out about the wildcard when you guys did, just saying.

“I love Indian Wells, I would love to be there, and if I could have accepted it, I would have been like yes, but I already made commitments.”

Indian Wells tournament director confirms Venus Williams decision

It is a bizarre situation involving the legendary figure, who had been causing quite a stir, now it has been revealed through no fault of her own.

A 50th WTA singles title at Indian Wells would be extremely fitting, but such success would be a long shot if Williams had decided to take part.

READ MORE: What Madison Keys said after clinching shock victory over Venus Williams at the Australian Open back in 2015

She last played competitively at the Miami Open in March 2024, where the veteran lost in the round of 128 to Diana Shnaider.

Confirming her decision regarding a wildcard next month, a statement from Tournament Director Tommy Haas has emerged from the event itself on X.

“Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wildcard this year,” stated the BNP Paribas Open. “We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.”

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