Andreescu, Stephens Join Venus Williams Among Indian Wells Wild Cards
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Published: February 28, 2026
The 2026 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells is shaping up to be a compelling mix of seasoned champions and rising talents, after tournament officials announced a series of wild card entries into the prestigious WTA main draw this weekend.
Among the headline wild cards are former Grand Slam champions Bianca Andreescu of Canada and American Sloane Stephens, both of whom will join seven‑time major winner Venus Williams in the main draw.
Veterans Return to the Desert Courts
Andreescu, who captivated tennis fans as an 18‑year‑old when she won the Indian Wells title in 2019 and later the US Open, is making her return to Tennis Paradise for the first time since 2023. The Canadian has climbed back up the rankings to No. 164 after securing two titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour this season.
Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, also received a wild card. Now ranked No. 775, she comes off a productive run in the Australian Open qualifying event, where she won three matches to reach the main draw — her best showing so far this year.
Williams, the 45‑year‑old American icon, received her wild card earlier in the week. She is set to make history as one of the oldest competitors in the event’s main draw and will be looking to notch her first win of the 2026 season in the California desert.
Full Wild Card List Reflects Depth of the Tour
Tournament organizers also awarded wild cards to a mix of established names and exciting prospects. They include:
- Donna Vekić – 2024 Olympic silver medalist
- Jennifer Brady – former Australian Open finalist
- Lilli Tagger – reigning French Open girls’ singles champion
- Alycia Parks and Katie Volynets – rising American stars
In addition to the main draw selections, wild cards for the singles qualifying rounds were handed out to players such as Julieta Pareja, Emerson Jones, Mary Stoiana, Elvina Kalieva, Elizabeth Mandlik and Akasha Urhobo.
Tournament Set to Feature Top Competition
The 2026 BNP Paribas Open qualifying matches begin on March 1, with the main draw action kicking off on March 4. Singles competition features a 96‑player field that includes many of the world’s top‑ranked stars, while the doubles draw will showcase 32 teams vying for the title.
The inclusion of high‑profile wild cards guarantees added intrigue in the early rounds, while also providing compelling narratives as former Grand Slam champions seek to make deep runs in one of the season’s most celebrated tournaments.
