During an appearance in Denmark on Sunday, former world No. 1 Venus Williams said she would not play at the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in California, a decision the tournament confirmed in a social media post,

The Grand Slam champions bolster an already stacked field at this year's Indian Wells tournament. Rising teens Joao Fonseca, Learner Tien also added

Former world No. 1 Venus Williams has been awarded a wild card for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The 44-year-old will be returning to court after nearly a year.

During an appearance in Denmark on Sunday, former world No. 1 Venus Williams denied she would be playing at the upcoming BNP Paribas Open, despite the tournament announcing in a press release on Wednesday that the 44-year-old had been given a wild card.

Tennis legend Venus Williams has received a wild card entry for next month’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, in what would be the 44-year-old’s first event in almost a year.