Indian Wells Open 2025: Venus Williams Rejects Wildcard Invitation

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams has turned down a wildcard invitation to play at next month's Indian Wells tournament. (More Tennis News)

The 44-year-old had been invited to play, according to organisers, but chose not to take up the offeꦛr.

"Our team has been informed that Venus is not🐼 accepting the wildcard this year," the event posted on X in a statement that was attributed to tournament director Tommy Haas.

"We wi🔯sh Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future."

Williams herself, meꦯanwhile, confirmed that she would not be playing in the tournament while speaking on Tennis Weekly podcas꧙t.

“I’m not playing,” she confirmed. ;“I’m going to be overseas. ꧂I’m not gonna ღbe here.”

Williams ha🦩s not competed since the Miami Open in March 2024, in which she lost in straight sets to Diana Shnai👍der in the first round.

🦄Prior to that, she was also beaten in the opening round of the 2024 Indian Wells tournament in three sets against Nao Hibino.

Williams had previously boycotted Indian Wells🎉 for 15 years, in protest of fans booing and jeering young﷽er sister Serena in her 2001 final against Kim Clijsters.

They appeared to ♐be in reaction to Venus retiring injured in the semi-final match between the two sis♓ters in the same tournament.

Serena next played in the tournament in 2015, w𝓰hile Venus returned the following year.