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At 44 years old, Venus Williams may no longer dominate the tennis court as she once did, but her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats remains untouchable. While her recent results haven’t set the tennis world alight, her presence at any tournament still commands attention, drawing fans who are eager to witness a living legend in action. In March 2025, Williams will grace the courts once again, as the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells has confirmed she will receive a wildcard entry.
The WTA 1000 event, scheduled for March 5-16, will mark Williams’ first competitive appearance in nearly a year. Her last match was a first-round loss to Diana Shnaider at the 2024 Miami Open, and her 2024 season was limited to just two matches—both defeats—during the Sunshine Swing. As a result, her ranking has plummeted to No. 974 in the world. Yet, for a player of Williams’ stature, rankings tell only a fraction of the story.
Williams, who turned professional in 1994, holds the most Grand Slam singles titles among active women on tour. Despite her limited playing schedule in recent years, she has steadfastly refused to retire, continuing to train and compete on her own terms. Most recently, she was spotted practicing in Italy, where she was supported by her rumored fiancé, Andrea Preti.
Joining Williams in the wildcard lineup is another tennis icon, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. The 34-year-old Czech star, who announced earlier this month that she would return to tennis following the birth of her first child in July, is set to continue her comeback at Indian Wells, after launching it at the WTA 250 ATX Open in Austin, Texas.
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