INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Venus Williams was eradicated within the first spherical of the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, shedding to Diane Parry of France 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-1.
Williams, 45, who has misplaced her final eight WTA matches, earned a wild card into the singles and doubles attracts for the event within the Southern California desert.
Williams got here again to tie the rating within the second set, after which the 23-year-old Parry, ranked 111th on the planet, took management and cruised within the third set.
That is Williams’ tenth profession look within the event, and his first since 2024, when he misplaced within the first spherical as a wild card. The seven-time main champion was given a wild card final yr however didn’t settle for.
“I am very excited to be again in Indian Wells and may’t wait to get again dwelling to play in California,” Williams stated final month.
Williams enters the BNP Paribas Open having received her solely victory on her return to tour in Washington final yr.
She participated within the Australian Open in January, however was eradicated within the first spherical in each singles and doubles. Williams grew to become the oldest girl to compete within the Australian Open singles primary draw, surpassing the file set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, 44, who misplaced within the first spherical in 2015.
Williams lately competed within the ATX Open in Austin, Texas final month as a wild card entry, shedding within the first spherical of singles to Ajla Tomljanovic.
