Former world number one Venus Williams has made the decision to decline a wildcard entry for the upcoming Indian Wells tournament, scheduled from March 2 to 16. At 44, Williams, who has clinched 49 WTA singles titles and seven Grand Slam singles championships, continues to step back from competitive tennis as she focuses on other commitments.

Tournament director Tommy Haas expressed the organizers' sentiments in a statement on X, saying, "Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wildcard this year. We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future."

Williams, currently ranked 974th in the world, has not competed in a WTA Tour-level match since her first-round loss at the Miami Open in March 2023. She confirmed her absence from Indian Wells during an appearance on the TennisWeekly podcast, stating, "I'm not playing - I'm going to be overseas. I'm not going to be here."

Historically, Indian Wells holds a complex legacy for the Williams sisters. Venus boycotted the tournament for 15 years following the 2001 final, where her sister Serena faced hostile crowd reactions after Venus withdrew from their semi-final match due to injury. Their father, Richard Williams, later accused the crowd of racial abuse. Serena made her return to Indian Wells in 2015, with Venus following in 2016.

While Williams' decision reflects her ongoing priorities away from the court, the tennis community remains hopeful for her eventual return. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire fans and players alike.