Venus Williams
Venus Williams accepts wild card for Indian Wells tournament
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Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has accepted a wild card entry into the 2026 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The 45-year-old American will compete in both singles and doubles, marking her return to the event since 2024. Tournament director Tommy Haas described the invitation as an honor for the tennis legend.
Francesca Jones, a 25-year-old British player, defeated seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams 7-5, 7-5 in the first round of the Miami Open, securing her first WTA 1000 victory. The match concluded with a touching net exchange that highlighted Jones's long-standing admiration for Williams. Jones rallied from 4-5 down in both sets to claim the win.
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Venus Williams has endured eight consecutive losses since July 2025, yet continues to receive wildcard entries into tournaments, drawing criticism from former world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Kafelnikov echoed Dmitry Tursunov's view that such spots could benefit emerging players. Williams next faces Francesca Jones in the Miami Open after a first-round defeat at Indian Wells.
Olga Danilovic staged a dramatic comeback to defeat 45-year-old Venus Williams 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open on January 18. The 24-year-old Serbian, ranked around No. 67, rallied from a 4-0 deficit in the deciding set to end Williams' historic return. Williams, the oldest player ever to compete in the tournament's main draw, impressed fans with flashes of her vintage form.