At 44 years previous, Venus Williams could now not dominate the tennis court docket as she as soon as did, however her legacy as one of many sport’s all-time greats stays untouchable. Whereas her current outcomes haven’t set the tennis world alight, her presence at any event nonetheless instructions consideration, drawing followers who’re wanting to witness a dwelling legend in motion. In March 2025, Williams will grace the courts as soon as once more, because the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells has confirmed she is going to obtain a wildcard entry.
The WTA 1000 occasion, scheduled for March 5-16, will mark Williams’ first aggressive look in practically a yr. Her final match was a first-round loss to Diana Shnaider on the 2024 Miami Open, and her 2024 season was restricted to simply two matches—each defeats—in the course of the Sunshine Swing. Consequently, her rating has plummeted to No. 974 on the planet. But, for a participant of Williams’ stature, rankings inform solely a fraction of the story.
Williams, who turned skilled in 1994, holds probably the most Grand Slam singles titles amongst energetic girls on tour. Regardless of her restricted taking part in schedule in recent times, she has steadfastly refused to retire, persevering with to coach and compete on her personal phrases. Most just lately, she was noticed working towards in Italy, the place she was supported by her rumored fiancé, Andrea Preti.
Becoming a member of Williams within the wildcard lineup is one other tennis icon, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. The 34-year-old Czech star, who introduced earlier this month that she would return to tennis following the beginning of her first baby in July, is about to proceed her comeback at Indian Wells, after launching it on the WTA 250 ATX Open in Austin, Texas.
