During an appearance in Denmark on Sunday, former world No. 1 Venus Williams said she would not play at the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in California, a decision the tournament confirmed in a social media post,

Tennis legend has other commitments overseas during the tournament, was caught off guard by the wild-card announcement

Venus Williams will not participate in the BNP Paribas Open despite receiving a wild-card entry. The tournament announced her withdrawal via social media. Venus last competed in March 2024, struggling with first-round exits.

During an appearance in Denmark on Sunday, former world No. 1 Venus Williams denied she would be playing at the upcoming BNP Paribas Open, despite the tournament announcing in a press release on Wednesday that the 44-year-old had been given a wild card.

The Grand Slam champions bolster an already stacked field at this year's Indian Wells tournament. Rising teens Joao Fonseca, Learner Tien also added

Former world No. 1 Venus Williams has been awarded a wild card for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The 44-year-old will be returning to court after nearly a year.

Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wild card this year,” the event posted on social media, saying it was a message from Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas. “We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.

Former world number one Venus Williams will not compete at next month's Indian Wells tournament despite the WTA 1000 event giving the 44-year-old American a wildcard, ESPN reported on Sunday.

Venus Williams said she was surprised by the announcement that she was playing in the 2025 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.