Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has received an Indian Wells wild card entry into both singles and doubles at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open.
Before heading to the desert, Williams is scheduled to compete at the ATX Open in Austin from February 21 through March 1, giving her valuable match play ahead of the WTA 1000 event.
A Complicated but Significant Return
Indian Wells carries important history for Williams.
Following racist abuse directed at her and her family during the 2001 tournament, both Williams sisters stayed away from the event for more than a decade. The absence became one of the most discussed boycotts in modern tennis.
On court, however, Williams has enjoyed real success in the desert. She is a three-time semifinalist at Indian Wells, reaching the final four in 1998, 2001, and again in 2018 after her return to the event.
Venus Williams’ Indian Wells wild card adds another chapter to the long and complicated relationship between the player and the tournament.
Austin First, Then the WTA 1000 Stage
The Austin stop provides valuable match rhythm before stepping into a 96-player WTA 1000 draw.
At this stage of her career, competitive reps matter. A strong showing in Austin would give Williams confidence heading into one of the biggest hard-court tournaments of the season.
Regardless of the draw, her presence immediately adds experience and star power to the early rounds in Indian Wells.
The 2026 Sunshine Double just gained another meaningful storyline.
Phil Naessens is a tennis betting analyst and former tennis coach with decades of experience in player development and match analysis. He is the founder of Crush Rush News and host of the Crush & Rush Tennis Podcast, focusing on price-first betting strategy, market efficiency, and transparency in sports wagering.
