Venus Williams is not done with pro tennis yet as the 44-year-old has accepted a main draw wildcard into the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells.
That means that the seven-time Grand Slam champion – who hasn’t played since last March – is set to compete again after 12 months.
After taking part in seven tournaments in 2023 but constantly dealing with injuries, the former world No. 1 took a break after the US Open and didn’t play again until last year’s Indian Wells.
Now, Williams will again make her return to competitive action in the desert.
For the American, it will be her ninth appearance in Indian Wells and the fifth one since ending her 15-year boycott of the tournament in 2016.
In the past, she made three semifinals in the desert but suffered a first-round loss to Noa Hibino last year.
Petra Kvitova also received a wildcard alongside Williams
Czech Kvitova, who will kick off her post-pregnancy comeback next week in Austin, will also play Indian Wells in early March after being granted a main draw wildcard.
Familiar faces return to the desert 😎 @Venuseswilliams & @Petra_Kvitova are among this year’s women’s singles wildcards!
Read More: https://t.co/FeY9Dcxmdh#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/ts6NJK2rwv
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) February 19, 2025
Throughout her career, the two-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t done particularly well in the desert, having made only three quarterfinals in her 12 appearances.
And ahead of her comeback, the former world No. 2 noted that she doesn’t expect to contend for title straightaway.
“My tennis is not at a level where I can win tournaments, certainly not at the moment. I will be happy if I win a match,” Kvitova recently told Czech media.
The WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells starts on March 5th.
Tennis World USA