Venus Williams has been absent ever since her first-round exit at the Australian Open.
Although that should really come as no surprise.
After all, at 45 years old, her schedule is expected to be much quieter than that of the average professional still battling away on the tour.
She doesn’t need to play anymore, but continues to for her love of the sport. It’s so refreshing to see, and great for fans who are being gifted the opportunity to see this legend play.
And now, her status and surprising competitiveness with players over ten years her junior has earned her another wildcard, this time to Indian Wells.
Venus Williams speaks after getting Indian Wells wildcard
Speaking in the tournament’s press release, the American was hugely grateful for the opportunity to feature at such a coveted and prestigious event.
Venus Williams thanked the organisers, and outlined her excitement by admitting: “I’m so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can’t wait to return home to play in California. This tournament is always such a special experience, and there’s nothing like competing in front of these incredible fans.
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“I’ve made so many fun memories here over the years, and I’m grateful to the tournament for having me back and giving me the opportunity to compete in both singles and doubles.”
She will play doubles with Leylah Fernandez, rekindling their partnership from last year, when they played together at the US Open.
Tommy Haas, the tournament director, then added: “It’s an honour to award the first wild card of this year’s event to Venus Williams.
“Venus is a legend of the game, and one of the most accomplished players our sport has ever seen. We are thrilled to welcome her back to Tennis Paradise and give the fans the chance to see her compete in both singles and doubles.”
Before that, though, Venus will play doubles with another partner in Dallas.
Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez’s fairytale run at the US Open
It will be interesting to see how Venus gets on in the doubles next month, reuniting with a partner with whom she had great success.
After all, this American and Canadian pairing stormed into the quarterfinals of the US Open’s doubles event, only losing to eventual finalists Taylor Townsend and Kateřina Siniaková.
Before that, they had beaten the seeded pairing of Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez, before cruising past Ulrikke Eikeri and Eri Hozumi.
Another seed stood in their way in the Round of 16, but this star-studded doubles team was unfazed.
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They won in straight sets again, before seeing their fairytale run cut short by the top-seeded duo.
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