Venus Williams has enjoyed a hugely successful career, and remarkably it is still going more than 30 years since her debut.
Williams made her WTA debut all the way back in 1994, and has gone on to win a combined 23 Grand Slam titles.
The American icon has also reached world number one in both singles and doubles, with four Olympic gold medals among her stunning career accomplishments.
But unlike her sister Serena Williams, Venus is still competing, with the former having retired a legend in 2022.
Serena won a phenomenal 23 Grand Slam singles titles in her career, behind only the 24 of Novak Djokovic and Margaret Court.
Tennis fans divided after Venus Williams handed Indian Wells wildcard
Venus loved watching Serena at the Super Bowl, but the former now switches her focus back to the court, having been handed a wildcard for Indian Wells.
And it is a decision that has divided tennis fans, with one angry fan writing on X: “6-0, 6-0. She’s a legend but it’s time for her to retire. Give her a wildcard to her final tournament as a send-off but enough of these as free wins for her opponent. You’re taking a spot away from a deserving player.”
A second annoyed fan commented: “Absolute joke, should not be allowed,” with a third simply writing: “Criminal.”
There is, however, support for the decision involving the 44-year-old, with one fan noting: “Love it! Women’s tennis may be at its most equal point in the game’s history. The improvement from all has been phenomenal and led to such a compelling and competitive moment. Anyone can and will win. Great stuff!”
A second delighted fan said: “I’m here for it! As long as fans still want to sit in the stands and watch her play, she deserves a WC!”
Other delighted fans commented: “Awesome” and “A deserved forever pass. Like Serena, Roger and Rafa all should have.”
Petra Kvitova joins Venus Williams with Indian Wells wildcard
Williams is all set for her tenth career appearance at Indian Wells, having also competed as a wildcard last year.
She has reached the semi-finals on three occasions, but it remains to be seen how far she can make it when the competition gets going early next month.
READ MORE: What Serena Williams once said about a teenaged Coco Gauff after she beat Venus Williams
Williams isn’t the only legend to be handed a wildcard for the tournament, with two-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova also set to be involved.
Kvitova is ‘getting closer’ to a return, with the former world number two having been absent for 15 months following the birth of her first child.
But along with two legends of the sport, the future generation has been considered early on by Indian Wells.
Also handed early wildcards are 2024 Next Gen ATP finalists Joao Fonseca and Learner Tien, who will soon make their Indian Wells main draw debuts.
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