INDIAN WELLS, California — The organizers of the BNP Paribas Open announced on Sunday that 44-year-old Venus Williams will not be participating in this year’s tournament. This news comes just days after the tournament confirmed that she had received a wild-card invitation to compete.
The information was shared through a post on social media, citing tournament director Tommy Haas. The message conveyed best wishes to Williams and expressed hopes for her return to the event in the future.
This sudden change followed shortly after an audio clip surfaced online in which Williams indicated she would not be taking part in the tournament set in the Coachella Valley next month.
Earlier in the week, the BNP Paribas Open had released a statement celebrating Williams, a well-respected seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, noting that she would be making her 10th career appearance at the prestigious event.
It’s worth noting that Williams has not seen action on the tour since she faced an early exit in the first round of the Miami Open in March 2024, which was merely two weeks following her first-round loss at Indian Wells.
The news about Williams’ decision not to compete adds to the ongoing story of her career, as fans and enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate her return to the tennis court.
