Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has declined a wildcard invitation to next month’s Indian Wells tournament, opting to extend her absence from the WTA Tour. The 44-year-old, who has not played a tour-level match in nearly a year, confirmed she will be overseas during the event.
Tournament director Tommy Haas announced Williams’ decision, expressing hope that she would return in the future. Her last appearance at Indian Wells came in 2016, a year after ending a long-standing family boycott of the event.
Williams, now ranked 974th in the world, has not competed since suffering a first-round exit at the Miami Open last March. While injuries and age have slowed her legendary career, her status as one of tennis’ most iconic figures ensures her every move is closely watched.
Indian Wells holds a complicated history for Williams. In 2001, she withdrew injured from a semi-final against her sister, Serena, leading to a hostile reaction from the crowd during the final. Their father, Richard, later accused fans of racial abuse, prompting both sisters to boycott the tournament for over a decade.
With no set return date, speculation grows over whether fans have seen the last of Venus Williams on the WTA Tour.
