Fans will not get to see Serena Williams and Venus Williams compete together at Indian Wells, with the latter set to partner Leylah Fernandez in doubles. There had been rumors that the younger Williams sister could return to tennis to team up with her sister at the WTA 1000 event.
The speculation stemmed from Serena re-entering the anti-doping test pool, which was confirmed earlier this month.
Venus Williams To Partner With Leylah Fernandez at Indian Wells Amid Serena Williams Speculation
Despite speculation that the 14-time Grand Slam doubles champions could compete together at the BNP Paribas Open, it has now been announced that Venus will be taking to the court along with Fernandez. The two reached the US Open quarterfinals in women’s doubles last year before losing to the top seeds, Taylor Townsend and Kateřina Siniaková.
Williams will also compete in women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open, having accepted a wildcard. This will be her fifth tournament of the year.
“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,” she said in a statement via the tournament.
It remains to be seen whether Serena will follow in her sister’s footsteps and make a return to tennis. She won 23 Grand Slam singles titles before hanging up her racket in 2022.
When asked about a possible return to professional tennis on the “TODAY” show last month, Serena remained coy.
How Has Venus Fared So Far This Year
The older Williams sister has already competed in four tournaments this year, playing in both women’s singles and doubles. She was beaten in the first round in both at the ASB Classic and made another first-round exit in Hobart.
At the Australian Open, Williams delivered a strong performance in her first-round match against Olga Danilović, but fell to a 7-6 (5), 3-6, 4-6 defeat. She also competed in women’s doubles alongside Ekaterina Alexandrova, but the duo was eliminated in the first round.
Williams returned to the court on Tuesday to compete in the ATX Open. But she was handed a 6-4, 6-1 defeat by Ajla Tomljanović in Austin.
The 45-year-old will team up with Peyton Stearns to face Townsend and Storm Hunter in women’s doubles action later on Wednesday.
