By Former world number one Venus Williams has turned down a wildcard invitation for next month’s Indian Wells tournament.
Organizers had announced last week that the 44-year-old was offered a spot, but she has chosen not to accept it.
“Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wildcard this year,” tournament director Tommy Haas said in a statement posted on X. “We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.”
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, has seen her ranking drop to 974th in the world and has been absent from WTA Tour-level competition for nearly a year.
Her last appearance was at the Miami Open in March 2023, where she was eliminated in the first round. Since then, she has remained largely inactive on the professional circuit.
It remains uncertain when Williams will return to competitive play, but fans continue to hope for her comeback on the WTA Tour.
